Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Columbia.
Strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of triggering lingering winds slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Any appearance of the strong April sun can initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear / Light, westerly winds / Alpine low -10 C / Freezing level Below valley bottom.
THURSDAY: Sunny / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high -3 C / Freezing level 1800 m.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high -1 C / Freezing level 2000 m.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with alpine flurries; 5-10 cm. / Moderate, northwesterly winds / Alpine high -5 C / Freezing level 1300 m
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Tuesday. However, there are currently very few professional observers submitting daily observations. Please submit your observations to the MIN. Photos of avalanches or current conditions are particularly useful.
On Saturday, numerous, natural loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on steep solar aspects at treeline and above in the afternoon.
A widespread storm slab avalanche cycle to size 3.5 on all aspects in the alpine was reported on Friday. Although not in this region, check out these two MIN reports from Saturday in Glacier National Park HERE. and HERE.
Snowpack Summary
5-15 cm. of new snow sits on a crust everywhere except high north facing terrain. Wind slabs created by last weeks storm may still linger in lee terrain below ridgetops. A layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in the upper snowpack could still be reactive to human triggers in isolated locations such as high elevation, north facing terrain.
Below treeline, snow is disappearing rapidly.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of triggering lingering winds slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Strong solar radiation may trigger loose wet avalanches on steep terrain; especially at upper elevations where there is new snow.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
- A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2