Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
An unstable weather pattern will bring clouds, sun and flurries Monday. Sporadic flurries and wind will continue to promote wind slab formation at upper elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There have been no reports of recent avalanche activity in the region. That being said, a size 3 natural triggered deep persistent slab avalanche was reported March 28 in Highwood Pass in Kananaskis Country to the north. This was associated with warm temperatures and sun.
Snowpack Summary
New snow and wind are forming wind slabs at higher elevations.
The mid snowpack holds several persistent weak layers including layers of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain and sun crusts on south facing slopes. No recent activity has occurred on these layers.
The lower snowpack is made up of a widespread layer of large, weak basal facets and depth hoar in some areas. Neighboring Kananaskis Country reports continued avalanche activity on this layer. Avoid thin and rocky areas where this weak layer is more likely to trigger.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 1-3cm. Light southwest wind. Alpine high of -7 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and scattered flurries, accumulation 1-5cm. Light to moderate northeast wind. Alpine high of -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light east wind. Alpine high of -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine high of -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow and wind continue to promote wind slab development in exposed lee terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack remains weak. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
