Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2022 4:00PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The danger may increase during the heat of the day.

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 30 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -4 C.

MONDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 20 to 40 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1200 m.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -4 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 20 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

This MIN describes loose wet activity out a steep gully near Sky Pilot, albeit many days old. No other avalanche observations were noted on Sunday.

Looking forward, use caution on sun-exposed slopes and near cornices during the heat of the day, when resulting avalanches are more likely.

Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

A thin layer of dry snow may be found above a hard melt-freeze crust. The snow surface may moist during the heat of the day, particularly on sun-exposed slopes. At ridgetop, cornices are large and looming.

Various melt-freeze crusts are found in the upper and middle of the snowpack, which have not produced recent avalanches. The remainder of the snowpack is strong.

Terrain and Travel

Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Warm air and sun will weaken them, increasing the likelihood of a catastrophic collapse. Stand well back of them on ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2.5 - 3.5

Loose Wet

Sunny skies and warm air will increase the likelihood of wet loose avalanches once the snowpack moistens. Watch your overhead exposure to steep, south-facing terrain.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2022 4:00PM