Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 25th, 2019 4:49PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Wind slabs at higher elevations may be reactive to human triggers especially where a wintry snowpack exists.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -1 and freezing levels 1700 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 1500 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1600 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it. If you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN), thanks!

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, up to 10 cm cold wind-affected snow may still be holding onto northerly aspects. Southerly winds have likely produced isolated wind slabs around ridges and in the immediate lee features at upper elevations. Cornices have been failing recently.

Recent precipitation fell as rain upwards of 1800 m which has re-frozen as a crust well into the alpine on southerly aspects and all aspects below. Warm overnight temperatures will prevent crust recovery as you lose elevation. Expect thin surface crusts to break down quickly with daytime warming and rain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

South-southwesterly winds have produced isolated pockets of wind slab around ridges and in the immediate lee of slopes. Cornices may be touchy, give them plenty of space.

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will depend on the extent of overnight crust recovery and the pace at which it warms up through the day.

  • Use caution above terrain traps like gullies where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2019 2:00PM

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