Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Riders must manage various avalanche concerns that vary by elevation and aspect. Observe your local conditions and let that inform your terrain choices.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported since last week.

Snowpack Summary

Anywhere from a trace to 50 cm of recent snow is settling and bonding at higher elevations and north-facing slopes.

On solar aspects at all elevations, and north aspects treeline and below, the recent snow either overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust or there is a crust at the surface. Watch for surface snow becoming moist in the afternoon.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong. A weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack remains a concern, primarily in alpine terrain with shallow or variable (thick and thin) snowpack depths.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Cloudy with clear periods. A chance of flurries in the North Rockies and trace accumulation. Mostly light west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light to moderate south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

With recent wind, and various amounts of new snow, anticipate fresh wind slab development. Watch for these wind slab pockets, primarily at higher elevations where cold, dry snow persists.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. Thinner snowpack areas and areas with variable thick and thin coverage at alpine elevations is where this problem is most likely found. April's warming temperatures may gradually increase the sensitivity of this layer, especially in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2.5 - 4

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2023 4:00PM