Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2016 4:26PM

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

Avalanche Canada Conrad Janzen, Avalanche Canada

We have switched to spring conditions!

A little bit of new snow should improve the skiing up high. Start early to take advantage of the cooler temperatures, better travel and lower avalanche hazard and plan to be off steep slopes before they heat up.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A slight cooling trend with a few flurries and moderate winds from the West are forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday. Another ridge begins to build on Wednesday and clearing skies with increasing freezing levels are forecasted towards the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

A few cm's of new snow at higher elevations. Expect surface crusts on all aspects at lower elevations with moist snow underneath. Crusts will rapidly break down with daytime heating or sun exposure. In thin snowpack areas there is a deep persistent layer of facets that has been avalanching with solar heating over the previous week.

Avalanche Summary

Slightly cooler temperature and light cloud cover have helped to reduce natural avalanches. No avalanches observed or reported on Monday. Lots of natural activity up to size 3.5 observed in the past week with intense solar heating.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Watch for loose wet avalanches in steep, rocky areas and gullies when the sun comes out.

  • Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

In some thin snowpack areas of the forecast region there are weak facets near the ground. It remains possible to trigger these layers once the surface crusts break down with any prolonged heating from the sun.

  • Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2016 4:00PM