Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 20th, 2019 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase though the day as sun and temperatures warm the snowpack. Lingering wind slabs may lurk around cornices and steep, lee features in the alpine.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level below 1400 m
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1900 m.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 10 cm falling through the day, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2100 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature +2 C, freezing level 2100 m
Avalanche Summary
There were no avalanche reports available for the region. The neighbouring Sea To Sky region observed a natural loose wet avalanche cycle during Thursday and Fridays storm. Cornice control work on Friday triggered cornices to size 2 and produced wet slab avalanches to size 2 on the slopes below.
If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it if you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Thanks!
Snowpack Summary
Around 20 mm of precipitation fell as rain below 2000 m and snow above. A crust has developed on most aspects expect for high alpine slopes where up to 10 cm loose dry snow accumulated. Strong south winds have developed cornices and wind slabs. The snowpack below treeline is saturated and rapidly melting.
Problems
Loose Wet
Sun and warm temperatures may cause the new snow above 2000 m to moisten on sun-exposed slopes, increasing the likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs have likely formed above 2000 m from recent snow and strong southwest wind. This new snow may remain reactive to skiers, particularly in lee terrain features near ridges.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
- New cornices will be weak and could trigger wind slabs on slopes below.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 21st, 2019 2:00PM
