Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 14th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Stay aware of changing conditions and make observations as you travel.
Watch for reactive wind slabs at higher elevations, and remember the potential for surface snow to lose cohesion when the sun is out.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
A cool and unsettled flow will affect coastal regions into the weekend. Convective flurries are expected in isolated areas and may be heavy at times.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloud with light northerly winds. Freezing level drop to 500 m. Overnight flurries bring trace amounts of snow.
FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light southerly winds. Freezing level rises to 1000 m. Light snowfall in the afternoon bringing 5 cm for most areas, with locally heavier accumulations possible in isolated terrain.
SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m. Flurries bring trace amounts of snow.
SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with increasing southeasterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1100 m. Isolated flurries are expected to bring trace amounts.
Avalanche Summary
A size 1 slab avalanches was reported on a north facing slope on Wednesday. The avalanche was 25 cm deep and failed on the interface between storm snow and the underlying crust indicating a poor bond.
Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of dry, wind-affected snow sits above a hard melt-freeze crust at higher elevations. Winds have switched from southwest to northeast - and wind affected snow can likely be found on all aspects.
Watch for large, overhanging cornices when travelling on or below ridgelines. Reports suggest they are large and weak, and could fail from your weight.
The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong while temperatures remain cool, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs sitting over a crust may be found at higher elevations on all aspects from recent variable winds. Larger and more reactive wind slabs are expected to have formed from the recent northeast winds, and can be found on south or west facing slopes.
Weak cornices may also be found on north and east facing slopes. Watch for overhead hazard when travelling on slopes below cornices, and be aware of your proximity to large overhanging cornices when travelling on ridgelines.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 15th, 2022 4:00PM
