Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 17th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Cornices.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool and cloudy weather.
Continue to be mindful of your exposure to cornices when travelling on and below ridgelines.
Summary
Confidence
High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud cover. Treeline temperatures dropping to -6 C. 25-40 km/h winds from the south.Â
MONDAY: High cloud in the morning with increasing cloud cover in the afternoon and light flurries. Treeline temperatures rising to -3 C. 25-40 km/h wind from the southeast.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with precipitation, 5-10 cm of new snow accumulation above 1300 m, rain below. Treeline temperatures rising to -3 C. 25-50 km/h wind from the northwest.Â
WEDNESDAY: Partially cloudy. Treeline temperatures rising to -2 C. Light wind from the southeast.Â
Avalanche Summary
Reports over the last week documented large cornice falls in alpine terrain, some of which have triggered large slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) on the slopes below. The most avalanche activity has been noted around Valemont and Blue River.Â
Snowpack Summary
Recent wind from the northeast has left a variety of wind-affected surfaces. In sheltered areas, 20-50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2000 m. A sun crust likely extends to mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40 to 70 cm deep.Â
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Terrain and Travel
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 18th, 2022 4:00PM
