Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2018 4:08PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

The weather is due to change with snowfall forecast to start Wednesday and carry through to Friday. Avalanche danger will gradually increase as the snow starts to accumulate at a higher rate on Thursday.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5cm. Light to moderate south wind. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level 1100 m. THURSDAY:  Snow, accumulation 15-25cm. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature -3. Freezing level 1000 m. FRIDAY: Periods of snow, accumulation 10-15cm. Moderate south wind. Alpine temperature -3. Freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

There are no recent reports of avalanche activity. Reports from this weekend indicate loose wet activity on steep slopes facing the sun at tree line and in the alpine. These avalanches were reported as size 1-2 and were isolated to the recent surface snow only.

Snowpack Summary

Recent new snow and strong variable winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects at treeline and above. In the south of the region, two layers of surface hoar are buried early-March and mid-March are approximately 70-100 cm deep. The layers are most prominent on north to east aspects and were buried In the north of the region, these layers are around 40 cm deep.Below these March layers the mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. However in the far north of the region there are weak sugary facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers in the lee of terrain features.
Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind loaded slopes.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2018 2:00PM