Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

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Wet loose avalanches are likely if the sun comes out. Avoid large south facing slopes and slopes with cornices overhead during the heat of the day.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

  

SATURDAY NIGHT: Clearing skies with isolated flurries; 3-10 cm. / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -10 / Freezing level valley bottom.

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 0 / Freezing level 900 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 2 / Freezing level 1100 m.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with flurries/showers; 3-5 cm. / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 0 / Freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in this region on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Small wind slabs formed by light amounts of recent snow and southwesterly winds may linger below alpine ridgetops. A firm crust exists at lower elevations. Sunshine may trigger wet loose avalanches on solar aspects. Cornices are large, looming, and capable of triggering large avalanches when they fail.

Buried 70-120 cm. deep, a spotty layer of surface hoar may exist on sheltered north aspects, but no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer.

The lower snowpack is reported as well settled and strong in most areas. However, weak facets exist at the base of the snowpack in the more shallow snowpack zones within much of the region and have the potential to be triggered on steep, rocky slopes with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack; especially with large loads such as a cornice fall.

Terrain and Travel

  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Sunshine may trigger wet loose avalanches on steep solar aspects.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent wind. They are capable of triggering large avalanches when they fail.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers. Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2021 4:00PM

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