Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada SH, Avalanche Canada

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A significant storm will start Sunday night and last until Tuesday with rain below 2000m, up to 40cm of snow up high and strong winds. It will be a good time to avoid exposure to avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine had minimal results (size 1-1.5) windslabs with explosives and a size 1 ski cut deep persistent slab. No other avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5cm of new snow sits over sun crusts on solar aspects. Isolated small wind slabs in the alpine.

A weak, isothermal snowpack is developing BTL with minimal overnight recovery.

Several buried crusts can be found in the top 40cm on solar aspects.

The January sun crust and facet interface is down 40 to 80cm.

The November depth hoar at the base of the snowpack remains very weak.

Weather Summary

Sunday night: 10-15cm of snow above 2000m and rain below with Strong SW winds in the alp.

Monday: 10-15cm of snow above 2000-2300m with rain below and strong sw winds which will diminish through the day.

Tuesday: 5-10cm of snow with cooler temperatures and freezing levels 1500-1800m.

For a detailed forecast click here.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The November basal facets as well as midpack facets on crusts remain a concern for triggering. The new load will be a big test, likely increasing the chance of large avalanches, some of which could reach valley bottoms.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Snow should start at around treeline Sunday night through Tuesday. Storm slabs will likely develop with an increased chance of natural and human-triggered avalanches on various aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Rain is probable below 2000m, and warm, wet snow above this. Wet avalanches are almost certain during this period.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely - Certain

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2023 4:00PM