Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2024 3:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada JMackenzie, Avalanche Canada

Email

Lower elevations have transitioned to Spring-like conditions. However, at higher elevations a Winter snowpack persists. Recent wind and snow have created wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded features. Also, during periods of intense solar and daytime heating the deep persistent weak layer could become active.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Field observations from the Ghost are limited so please post what you are seeing on the MIN

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and above a winter snowpack slowly becomes more sping-like. Recent upslope storms have deposited up to 40cm of new snow in alpine areas that has been redistributed by variable moderate winds. Think about the aspect you are on/under and the time of they day you are in these areas. A cakey, drummy feeling is a good indication of new wind slabs forming and being reactive to light loads such as a climber.

Weather Summary

The weather is becoming more consistently "Spring" like with warm day time temperatures and cool mornings. Occasional snow storms will cross the region creating elevated hazards at they pass. Other weather elements that will increase the hazard are rain and or intense sun. Many areas at lower elevations have lost there snow cover but treeline and above is still fairly winter like.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Windslabs in open alpine areas near the tops of some routes. Lots of uncertainty with regards to this problem and how it is bonding to the underlying surface.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Facets near the base of the snowpack may be triggered from thin areas. On the solar aspects, full depth avalanches are possible as slopes heat up through the day. Low probability -high consequence avalanches should be in your mind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 30th, 2024 3:00PM

Login