Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada BW, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for fresh wind slabs as you transition into alpine terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several natural and cornice triggered wind and storm slabs have been reported over the past several days. A large deep release was reported out of the north side of Surprise Pass on Tuesday. Ski-hills only reported small loose dry avalanches out of steep terrain today.

Snowpack Summary

15-40 cm of snow in past week (most around Lake Louise) overlies previous storm snow at upper elevations and rain-crusts below 1800 m. Recent strong winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine. The basal depth hoar is only a concern in shallow snowpack areas. Lower elevations have a temperature crust on all aspects.

Weather Summary

Thursday: Isolated showers or alpine flurries in the morning and light convective activity in the afternoon along the divide. Up to 5 cm of snow forecasted. Freezing levels between 14-1700 m. Light winds.

Friday: Flurries with minor accumulations. Winds swing to SW and increase to moderate throughout the day. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent snow (15-40 cm in past week) and strong winds will have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain and may extend down into some tree-line features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2023 4:00PM