Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 25th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Cariboos, North Columbia, North Rockies, Blue River, Clearwater, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Clemina, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Shuswap, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

A wintery storm will bring a change in avalanche conditions in high terrain on Sunday.

This will be our last forecast for the season. Check out some alternative resources for spring here.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) natural and skier-triggered wind slabs were reported earlier in the week. Otherwise, no new avalanches have been observed.

Last week, large cornice failures in high north-facing alpine terrain notably did not propagate any weak layers on the slopes below. This is a good indicator of snowpack stability under current conditions.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is forecast to fall on Sunday, over widespread crusty surfaces on all but high north-facing alpine terrain, where snow is dry and likely wind affected.

There are no deeper concerns at this time.

Weather Summary

Thursday night

Broken cloud with flurries possible up to 3 cm. 10 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1100 to 1500 m.

Friday

Broken cloud with sunny periods. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000m.

Saturday

Broken cloud with flurries starting in the afternoon, up to 5 cm possible. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 2200m.

Sunday

5 to 20 cm of new snow in high terrain. 20 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

On Sunday, new snow and wind will form fresh slabs at upper elevations. Slabs are likely to be most reactive in wind-loaded lees and where they sit over a crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2024 4:00PM

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