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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 10th, 2021–Apr 12th, 2021

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

Regions

North Rockies.

Recently formed slabs could still be triggered by riders. Assess for slab properties and signs of instability prior to committing yourself to consequential avalanche terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 30 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

SUNDAY: Increasing clouds with isolated flurries, 10 to 20 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

MONDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.

TUESDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level valley-bottom in the morning and rising to 2200 m.

Avalanche Summary

A few small to large (size 1 to 2) avalanches were reported in the north of the region on Friday. Looking forward, wind slabs could still be triggered by riders. They may be found on all aspects due to the varying wind direction.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 to 40 cm of recent snow fell with southwest and easterly wind, likely forming wind slabs in exposed terrain at higher elevations. The snow may have settled into storm slabs in sheltered terrain. The snow likely overlies a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except on north aspects above 1700 m.

Recent weather patterns have helped deeper weak layers gain strength, including the mid-February facet layer that is roughly 150 cm deep. However, it may still be possible to trigger avalanches on basal layers in shallow rocky terrain along the eastern slopes of the Rockies.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.