Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Heightened avalanche conditions exist on wind-affected slopes where there could be deeper deposits of new snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several small wet loose avalanches were observed in the region over the weekend. Looking forward, the cooling trend will make the main problem wind slabs at upper elevations.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is accumulating above 1500 m, with up to 15 cm possible in some areas. Lower elevations are getting rain-soaked. The snowpack is mostly composed of bonded crusts and moist snow layers.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Flurries with 10 to 15 cm of snow, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -5 °C.

Monday

Sunny periods in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon with some isolated flurries and trace amounts of snow, 30 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperatures warm to -3 °C.

Tuesday

5 to 15 cm overnight then mostly cloudy during the day, 30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud, no significant precipitation, 20 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures around -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and wind could form triggereable wind slabs along ridges and in alpine terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2023 4:00PM