Danger ratings are low, but always be on the lookout for wind slabs at higher elevations and weak overhanging cornices.
Watch for strong sunshine creating wet surface snow on south facing terrain features.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack. Uncertainty is due to the fact that cornice falls are particularly difficult to forecast.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light southeasterly winds. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Freezing levels drop to 500 m.Â
SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light southerly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m. Isolated flurries are expected to bring trace amounts.Â
MONDAY: Light snowfall over the day, up to 5 cm. Freezing levels reach 1500 m. Strong southerly winds. Snow continues overnight with up to 10 cm expected.Â
TUESDAY: Cloudy with continued light snowfall bringing up to 10 cm over the day. Freezing levels reach 1200 m. Moderate to strong southerly winds.Â
Avalanche Summary
Several size 1-2 wet avalanches have been reported over the last 3 days, from strong sunshine.Â
On Thursday a natural cornice fall was observed, that did not trigger an avalanche on the slope below. Further details are unknown. On Tuesday, size 1 and 2 natural and skier triggered wind slab avalanches were reported. These occurred at higher elevations on west facing slopes from the recent easterly winds.Â
Snowpack Summary
10 to 30 cm of dry, wind-affected snow sits above a crust or hard surfaces at higher elevations. Small wind slabs may be found at high elevations from recent easterly winds. A melt freeze crust likely sits on the surface at lower elevations and on sun affected slopes. Periods of sun may soften or break down the crust throughout the day.
Various melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper to middle snowpack, which reports suggest are bonding well. The lower snowpack is considered strong and well settled at this time.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. They are a significant hazard alone, and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely as temperatures warm each day, or when strong sunshine is present.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet avalanches become more likely as strong sunshine weakens the snowpack.
Watch for rapidly changing conditions, avalanche hazard will increase as surface snow becomes moist or wet. Minimize your exposure to sun affected slopes even during brief periods of strong sunshine.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 17th, 2022 4:00PM
