Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 18th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Cory Boschman,
A good overnight freeze will likely make for fast travel on hard crusts early in the day.
Watch for higher amounts of new snow and wind loading if heading up to the icefields.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: High -2 C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h. Freezing level: 2100 metres.
Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -7 C, High 1 C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level: 2300 metres.
Snowpack Summary
Melt/Freeze crus, possibly over moist or wet snow, all aspects and elevations except north above ~2500m where the snow remained dry. High Alpine (icefields) could have up to 5cm of new snow being redistributed by moderate to strong northerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
Loose wet and wet slabs to ground observed on all aspects up to size 3 throughout the region during the heat wave over the last few days.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
Colder temps and cloud cover have likely put a lid on this problem in the short term. Watch for it to return if the sun is out, especially TL and below where the snow pack is nearing zero.
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are awake! These features are extremely large, dense and heavy and will likely trigger the deeper instability on the slope below. If you must travel near or below cornices, use good travel techniques and group management to reduce exposure.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Shallow snowpack areas and solar aspects have increased potential for human triggered and natural avalanches stepping to deeper layers.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 19th, 2021 4:00PM
