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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 2nd, 2022–Apr 3rd, 2022
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Avalanche 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: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

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: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5