Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2019 3:05PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Stormy weather will return later this week. Until then, remain cautious on sun-exposed slopes and in steep north-facing terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear, light north wind, alpine temperatures drop to -5 C.TUESDAY: Sunny, light wind, freezing level up to 1800 m.WEDNESDAY: Increasing cloud with flurries starting late in the afternoon, light southwest wind, freezing level up to 1800 m.THURSDAY: Scattered flurries bring 5-15 cm of new snow at higher elevations, 20-40 km/h southwest wind, freezing level up to 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

A few small wind slabs were reported in north alpine terrain over the weekend. On Friday, a few larger skier triggered slab avalanches (size 2-3) were reported on north-facing slopes above 2300 m. These avalanches highlight the fact winter-like conditions can still be found in shaded alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Most slopes have entered a daily melt-freeze cycle, with the exception of north-facing terrain above roughly 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm below the surface. This layer has been responsible for a few large isolated avalanches last week. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Slab avalanches remain possible in shaded alpine terrain, particularly on large steep convex rolls.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2019 2:00PM