Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 3rd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
Cory Boschman,
The forecasted 10cm of snow could offer some good skiing at higher elevations.
Stay vigilant for windslabs building with steady SW winds.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: High -5 C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h. Freezing level: 1500 metres.
Monday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -10 C, High -4 C. Ridge wind west: 10 km/h. Freezing level: 1800 metres.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread variability on the surface with 10-15cm of new snow and variable winds forming wind slabs on a variety of aspects at TL and ALP. Deteriorating travel conditions below 1900m. The snowpack shows strength and good bonding in field tests but "feels" weak in shallow snowpack regions like Whistlers/Portal creek and Maligne zones.
Avalanche Summary
Use the Mountain Information Network to report your field observations and contribute to the bulletin. Friday's Icefield patrol noted no new natural but the visibility was poor. From the vantage point on top of Whistler mountain also noted no new activity but visibility was very poor.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
New and building wind slabs can be found in lee features near ridge crests, and cross-loaded gullies.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Cooler temps on Sunday may limit this problem, but with a poor overnight freeze expected, keep it on your radar.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
When in the Whistlers/Portal and Maligne Regions identify and assess the bond at this mid-pack layer. This interface shows strength in field tests, but there is concern for wide, spatial variability over large and/or connected features.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 4th, 2021 4:00PM
