Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Cornices.

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

Email

Watch for pockets of lingering wind slab in steep exposed terrain features and keep your distance from weak overhanging cornices. 

Check out the newest forecaster blog if you are thinking of checking off some big spring objectives.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the fact that cornice falls are particularly difficult to forecast. Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries bringing trace amounts overnight. Light and variable winds. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with light flurries bringing up to 3 cm over the day. Light and variable winds. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with light flurries bringing up to 5 cm. Light northeasterly winds. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with moderate to strong easterly winds. Flurries bring trace amounts of snow. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday. 

A size 3 cornice-triggered slab avalanche was observed near White Pass on Tuesday. This avalanche occurred on an east aspect in the alpine.

Several small human-triggered wind slabs (size 1) were reported during the outflow wind event on Monday and Tuesday. 

Avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool weather trend. However, always consider the possibility of pockets of wind slabs in steep alpine terrain, cornice failures, and wet loose avalanches if the sun is out.

Snowpack Summary

Strong northerly winds have created hard wind affected surfaces throughout the region.  

On south and west facing slopes up to 1400 m a surface crust from spring sunshine can be found, while other aspects hold dry snow. The mid-snowpack is generally strong, overlying weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack. 

Check out this MIN report for an overview of current conditions in the Fraser area. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. They are a significant hazard alone, and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely as temperatures warm each day, or when strong sunshine is present. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2022 4:00PM

Login