Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 18th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

25-35 cm of recent snow and strong southwesterly winds have formed storm slabs reactive to human triggers at all elevations. Expect these storm slabs to be most reactive on lee features at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Monday night: Flurries; 5-10 cm / Moderate southwest wind / Low of -4 / Freezing level 800 m.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-5 cm / Light southwest wind / High of 4 / Freezing level 1000 m.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong southeast wind / High of 6 / Freezing level 1300 m.

Thursday: Snow; 10-15 cm / Light south wind / High of 5 / Freezing level 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

Human triggered avalanche activity is expected to continue on Tuesday with the 25-35 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds.

Snowpack Summary

25-35 cm of recent snow and strong southwesterly winds have formed storm slabs reactive to human triggers at all elevations. Expect these storm slabs to be most reactive on lee features at treeline and above.

The recent snow is sitting on a variety of hard snow surfaces, including crusts and wind scoured snow. Below this, there are several crusts in the upper snowpack, but they are unlikely to be a concern in most areas until the next significant warming event.

Terrain and Travel

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

25-35 cm of recent snow and strong southwesterly winds have formed storm slabs reactive to human triggers at all elevations. Expect these storm slabs to be most reactive on lee features at treeline and above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 19th, 2022 4:00PM