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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 3rd, 2022–Apr 4th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

North Columbia.

Snow amounts will vary highly throughout the region, with 15-30 cm. Storm slabs will build throughout the day and strong southwest wind will form fresh wind slabs. Choose conservative terrain if you see more than 15 cm new snow and wind is moving snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: Cloudy, 10-15 cm snow, strong southwest wind, alpine low -4 °C, freezing level at 1500 m.

Monday: Cloudy, 10-15 cm snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine high -4 °C, freezing level at 1500 m. 

Tuesday: Cloudy, 10-15 cm snow, moderate to strong westerly wind, alpine high -5 °C, freezing level at 1500 m.

Wednesday: Sunny, trace of new snow, light to moderate west wind, alpine high -4 °C, freezing level at 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a large wind slab avalanche (size 3) released naturally on a northern aspect in the alpine. Many small slab and dry loose avalanches released naturally and were triggered by skiers. They were 10-30 cm deep and ran on the recent crust. 

On Friday, small natural dry loose avalanches were observed. A skier triggered cornice resulted in a size 2 avalanche. Skiers triggered a few small wind slab, storm slab and wet loose avalanches. 

On Thursday, numerous small size 1 wind slabs, dry loose, and wet loose avalanche activity were observed. 

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface became moist on sun-exposed slopes up to 2000 m in the last couple of days and formed a crust overnight. 

The new snow will add to 10-40 cm recent snow that overlies a crust from late March. The amount of snow on the crust tapers rapidly at lower elevations. This crust is present on all aspects up to an elevation of 2500 m. Below the crust, the snow is moist. 

The upper snowpack consists of multiple crusts that were formed in March and February.

The early-December rain crust is approximately a metre off the ground. Reports have recently indicated that large slab avalanches have failed on this interface earlier last week following a rain and warming event. This layer may be dormant now due to colder weather, however, it may appear again during the next big warm-up or with increased load from wind, snow and/or rain. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.