Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 12th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
JSmith,
Avalanche Canada
Strong northeasterly winds have reverse loaded slopes below ridgetops. Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggers.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Clear / Moderate east wind / Low of -19 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light east wind / High of -6 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light east wind / High of -4 / Freezing level 800 m.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / High of -4/ Freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
Several naturally triggered cornice failures and wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported on steep slopes in the alpine on Monday.
Snowpack Summary
20-50 cm of recent snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2000 m. A sun crust likely extends to mountain tops on solar aspects.
Recent strong northeast winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.
The prominent layer in the upper snowpack is a melt-freeze crust down 50-80 cm.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
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Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong northeasterly winds have formed wind slabs on lee aspects below ridgetops.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 13th, 2022 4:00PM
