Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 2nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for isolated wind slabs near ridgecrest as we shift back into a pretty wintery weather pattern over the next few days.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: No significant precipitation expected, light west/southwest wind, freezing level near valley bottom.
SUNDAY: A few clouds at dawn building to overcast by lunch, a few cm of snow possible during the day, moderate southwest wind, freezing level around 1700 m. 1 to 5 cm expected Sunday night.
MONDAY: Overcast, 5 to 10 cm of snow possible, strong southwest wind, freezing level around 1700 m. Another 1 to 5 cm possible Monday night.
TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, no significant precipitation expected, moderate west wind, freezing level around 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new activity to report from Friday. On Thursday we received two reports of small rider triggered wind slab avalanches on north and east facing terrain in the alpine in the northern portion of the region.
On Wednesday loose wet avalanches were reported on south facing slopes at treeline and below to size 2.5.
On Tuesday, several size 2-3 wet avalanches were naturally triggered by sun, warm temperatures and cornice falls in western terrain near the Bugaboos, with some failing at the ground.
Snowpack Summary
Small pockets of wind loaded snow may sit on north and east facing slopes in the alpine. A crust exists on all aspects as high as 2500 m, softening in the afternoon at all elevations with warm temperatures and sun creating moist surface snow. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels.
At 30 to 75 cm below the snow surface, a sun crust can be found on solar aspects from March. The recent warm weather seems to have helped this layer bond.
A thick rain crust with facets above from early December is buried around 150 cm deep. Large avalanches were naturally triggered on this layer during the most recent warm temperatures in western terrain near the Bugaboos. Continued avalanche activity on this layer is unlikely with cooler temperatures forecast.
Terrain and Travel
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for thin winds labs in high elevation terrain, especially south facing features where slabs may be resting on a slick crust.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2022 4:00PM
