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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 16th, 2023–Apr 17th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Moyie.

A potential for up to 30 cm of new snow is likely to form into a storm slab, be especially diligent as the temps warm and the sun comes out.

Avoid steep slopes that are getting baked in the sun.

Expect variable snowpack conditions as we transition from winter to spring.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, near Fernie, A large (size 2) avalanche on a north west aspect at approx. 2000 m was initiated during daytime warming and direct solar influence.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Dynamic spring weather has resulted in variable snow surface conditions. A wet storm last week soaked the upper snowpack. Cold overnight temperatures have turned this moist snow into a frozen crust, except in areas where dry snow covered and insulated it.

The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong, except in areas with snow depths less than 150 cm. In these lower snow areas, the mid-pack is likely weaker and more faceted.

Below treeline, expect to find moist or refrozen surfaces, and a shrinking snowpack that is isothermal during the heat of the day.

The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has shown signs of gaining strength, and it has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with increased snowfall amounts expected around the Fernie area. Snowfall amounts near Moyie lake are expected to be 5-10 cm., The Fernie area and eastern boundaries will receive between 10-30 cm . Freezing level 2000 m descending to 1400 m. Treeline low around 1 °C. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind.

Monday

Mostly clear with sun. Potential for a trace amount of new snow in the am. Freezing level 1300 m, rising to 1500 m in the afternoon. Treeline high around 1°C. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 1-5 cm of snow expected in the alpine. Freezing level 1500 m. Treeline low around 1 °C. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. No new precipitation is forecast. Freezing level 1600 m. Treeline low around 1 °C. Moderate to light west ridgetop wind

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
  • Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.
  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.