Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MM, Avalanche Canada

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Expect a variety of conditions between different elevation bands. As the sun comes out, the hazard could increase so plan your route accordingly.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches were observed in the hwy corridor on Friday.

A field team on Wednesday observed a natural size 2 wind slab avalanche which started at ridge top and ran on north facing terrain. Explosive control on Wed produced a size 1.5 wind-slab from a tree-line slide path.

Over the weekend there was a natural avalanche cycle triggered by strong sun and high freezing levels. All observed avalanches were loose/wet and no bigger than size 2.5.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack consists of a series of laminated crusts from the recent spring like conditions and dry surface snow can be found on polar aspects.

The Feb 3rd crust is the dominant mid-pack layer down ~110cms and still produces isolated planer results when tested.

Below tree-line, the snowpack has gone through a number of melt freeze cycles and is in spring conditions.

Weather Summary

The ridge of high pressure breaks up and light precip & unsettled conditions set in with a weak ridge.

Tonight: Clear, Low of -7°C. Nil precip, freezing level at valley bottom.

Sat: Sun w/ cloudy periods, Alp high 2°C, Moderate South winds, FZL 2300m.

Sun: 9cm, high -3.0°C, Mod to Strong West winds, FZL 1500m

Mon: Cloudy with isolated flurries, high -1°C. Light to Moderate West winds, FZL 2100m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Moderate, gusty winds and recent snow created fresh wind-slabs. Expect to find this problem most reactive in the lee sides of ridges or cross loaded terrain features in the alpine. Once triggered these avalanches have the potential to run far on the buried crust beneath.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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