Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

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Wet loose avalanches are possible on steep sun-exposed slopes. Give cornices a wide berth from above and below.

Where a thick surface crust exists avalanche activity will be unlikely.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche reports by 4 pm on Wednesday. Sunshine and rising temperatures may weaken the surface snow and initiate small wet loose avalanches on southerly-facing slopes. Use caution on north-facing slopes in the alpine as they may host pockets of wind slab.

If you head into the backcountry, please submit any observations or photos to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of new snow overlies the old snow surfaces, but may only exist on high north slopes after Wednesday's sunshine. The new snow sits above a widespread crust at all elevations besides the high north-facing slopes where small pockets of wind-affected dry snow exist.

Watch for moist, unstable snow on southerly slopes with sun and warm temperatures.

Below treeline elevations have minimal snow cover. Expect challenging travel conditions with hazards like rocks, stumps and open creeks.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Clear. 10-25 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures near -1°C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Thursday

Sunny. 30-40 km/h northerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2°C. Freezing level near 1600 m.

Friday

Sunny. 20-30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5°C. Freezing level near 1900 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with rain 5 to 15 mm. 20-35 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +7°C. Freezing level 2200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • 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.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Daytime warming and sunshine may affect the snowpack. Moist snow surfaces, snowballing and wet loose avalanches are indicators of a weakening snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2024 4:00PM

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