Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2019 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

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Strong southerly winds have likely formed fresh storm slabs that rest on a widespread crust. The best riding and highest danger are expected to overlap on high elevation north facing features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

The weather models continue to have a tough time with the current pattern and the region has been receiving less precipitation than forecasted over the last few days. Unfortunately there is still quite a bit of uncertainty, so take the following precipitation and wind speed values with a grain of salt. SUNDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 1000 m, strong southwest wind, 2 to 8 cm of snow possible.MONDAY: Overcast, freezing level holding around 1200 m, moderate to strong southwest wind, a trace of snow possible.TUESDAY: Overcast, freezing level holding around 1200 m, moderate southwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow.WEDNESDAY: Overcast with potential for some clearing in the afternoon, freezing level holding around 1200 m, light southwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday loose wet avalanches to size 1 were reported as storm snow slid on the April 4th crust. A few natural size 1 to 1.5 wind slabs were reported Saturday morning. If you're out we'd love it if you would submit what you're seeing to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 40 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Moderate to strong wind generally out of the south over the weekend likely formed fresh slabs which may remain sensitive to human triggering Monday. North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 40 to 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.At and below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
10 to 40 cm of storm snow rests on a widespread crust. Strong southerly winds have likely formed fresh slabs in high elevation north facing features which may be sensitive to human triggering Monday.
Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.Fresh snow rests on a widespread crust, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.Watch for rapidly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2019 2:00PM