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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 25th, 2019–Apr 26th, 2019
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers; especially on lee features below alpine ridgetops.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Light, southwesterly winds / Alpine low 0 C / Freezing level 1700 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high 2 C / Freezing level 2000 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 5-10 cm. / Light to moderate, westerly winds / Alpine high -1 C / Freezing level 1600 m.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -1 C / Freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, a group near Campion Peak, east of Revelstoke reported a large collapse of what they suspected was a weak layer near the base of the snowpack, and propagated for around 100 m. It was on west facing slope at 2500 m.

There are currently very few professional observers submitting daily observations. Please submit your observations to the MIN. Photos of avalanches or current conditions are particularly useful.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm. of new snow sits on a crust everywhere except high north facing terrain. Wind slabs created by last week's storm may still linger in lee terrain below ridgetops. A layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in the upper snowpack could still be reactive to human triggers in isolated locations such as high elevation, north facing terrain.

Below treeline, snow is disappearing rapidly.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers; especially on lee features below alpine ridgetops.

  • Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
  • Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Any appearance of the strong April sun can initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle. The likelihood of loose wet avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.
  • A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5