Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 15th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
Avoid steep slopes that are getting baked in the sun.
Expect variable snowpack conditions as we transition from winter to spring.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before 4pm on Saturday.
We expect that anywhere that was sunny on Thursday or Friday would have seen numerous, small, wet loose avalanches triggered by the sun on steep slopes.
On Monday and Tuesday, in the Fernie area. Warming and rain induced a widespread, naturally triggered, loose wet avalanche cycle. This included several large (size 2-2.5), avalanches and one large (size 2.5) glide slab.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Dynamic spring weather has resulted in variable snow surface conditions. A wet storm earlier in the week soaked the upper snowpack. Cold overnight temperatures have turned this moist snow into a frozen crust, except in areas where dry snow covered and insulated it.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong, except in areas with snow depths less than 150 cm. In these lower snow areas, the mid-pack is likely weaker and more faceted.
Below treeline, expect to find moist or refrozen surfaces, and a shrinking snowpack that is isothermal during the heat of the day.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has shown signs of gaining strength, and it has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
A mix of clouds with periods of clearing. No new precipitation is forecast. Freezing level 2000 m. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around 2 °C
Sunday
Day time sun becoming cloudy. Light snow expected to begin in the evening, 5-10 cm. Freezing level 2100 m, descending to 1200 m during the overnight period. Treeline high around 1°C. Strong southwest ridgetop wind.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud. No new precipitation is forecast. Freezing level 1600 m. Treeline low around 0 °C. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. No new precipitation is forecast. Freezing level 1600 m. Treeline low around 0 °C. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
- Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
Problems
Loose Wet
During periods of daytime warming and sunshine, expect the surface snow to be unstable on slopes that face the sun.
A wet storm added a lot of moisture and heat to the upper snowpack earlier this week.
If you see signs of loose wet instability, like snow that feels like a slurpy, or clumps up and pinwheels down a slope, move to less steep and more shaded terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 16th, 2023 4:00PM
