Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 17th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche danger will be closely linked to daytime warming and solar effect. Expect storm slabs and loose wet avalanches to become more reactive as surface snow melts and destabilizes with warming and solar effect.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported since last week.
Snowpack Summary
Generally, spring is advancing and the winter snowpack is melting away, at least at lower elevations.
High-elevation shady, north-facing slopes with dry snow is where slab avalanche problems are more likely. The new snow rests on a widespread crust; the exception is on north-facing alpine slopes where the storm snow could be sitting on old faceted surfaces, or on surface hoar in some sheltered areas.
Elsewhere, a thick rain crust or settled moist snow exists at the surface. Avalanche danger will be closely coupled to daytime warming and melting. The more the crust weakens, and the deeper the wetness goes, the greater the hazard from wet loose avalanches.
The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. In some areas, the lower snowpack may have a layer of weak facets near the ground.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Mostly clear with cloudy periods. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 to -5 C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with sunny periods and light snow. A trace to maybe 10 cm in areas. Mostly light south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing levels around 1600 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Mostly light south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing levels around 1700 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Mostly light west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing levels around 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Expect storm and wind slabs to be most reactive in localized areas that have received more recent snow, or steep leeward slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 18th, 2023 4:00PM
