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 and Loose Wet.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for the formation of thin wind slabs, especially near ridgecrest and remember that even brief periods of sunshine may initiate loose wet avalanche activity in the bit of snow that fell Saturday.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: 1 to 3 cm of snow possible, 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. 4 to 10 cm expected Sunday night.
MONDAY: Overcast, 10 to 25 cm of snow possible, strong southwest wind, freezing level around 1600 m. Another 5 to 10 cm possible Monday night.
TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, 2 to 6 cm possible, moderate west wind, freezing level around 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported since Tuesday when natural wet avalanches were reported on steep sun affected slopes to size 1. Wet avalanche activity is expected to decrease with cooler temperatures this weekend.Â
Snowpack Summary
The region picked up a bit of new snow Saturday, by day's end it was snowing at Fernie, but only about 4 cm has fallen as of 6:00 PM. Under this, the upper snowpack is going through a daily melt-freeze cycle. A crust exists on all aspects to around 2500 m and likely to mountain top on sun affected slopes. Warm temperatures and sun are softening or breaking down the crust during the day and creating moist snow. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels.Â
The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.
Terrain and Travel
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh thin wind slabs may form Saturday night and will likely be most prevalent near ridgecrest.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Even brief periods of strong April sun may initiate loose wet avalanche activity in the new snow.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2022 4:00PM
