Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2019 4:22PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Isolated wind slabs may be found up high. Watch for changing snow conditions when it is raining.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 2 to 5 mm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1400 m.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light rain, accumulation 2 mm, light to moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature 1 C, freezing level 1600 m.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with rain, accumulation 10 to 20 mm, light to moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature 3 C, freezing level 2200 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with rain switching to snow, accumulation 30 mm of rain followed by 5 to 10 cm of alpine snow, strong southwest wind, treeline temperature 3 C decreasing to 0 C, freezing level 2400 m dropping to 1300 m over the day.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Monday. If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it if you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Around 30 cm of recent snowfall has been blown around by southerly wind, forming wind slabs in exposed terrain. This recent snow overlies a thick melt-freeze crust. This snow surface will likely be moist below 1600 m. The snowpack is rapidly melting below treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges remain suspect. Use added caution when entering these slopes.

  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
  • Expect conditions to change rapidly with aspect and elevation.
  • Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanche activity may increase late in the day if rain soaks the recent snow. Loose wet avalanches can grow in size quickly, so use added caution if it is raining on previously dry snow.

  • Use added caution during periods of rain, particularly if the snow is moist or wet.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2019 2:00PM