Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Continually assess conditions as you gain elevation. Larger and more reactive storm slabs will be found at higher elevations.

Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

In the past few days , a few natural thin wind slabs were observed in alpine and at treeline as well as loose wet avalanches (up to size 2) at treeline and below.

We suspect that rider triggerable storm and wind slabs will still be found at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 60 cm of recent storm snow with southerly winds has likely formed wind slab on west through east aspects at upper elevations. These winds have also formed large cornices. As the freezing level falls a new crust will form on all aspects at treeline and below.

A crust from early April can be found down 30 to 60 cm on all solar aspects and at treeline and below on north facing terrain. Below this crust the mid pack is generally well settled.

The base of the snowpack remains faceted and weak. Avalanche activity has not been observed on this layer recently but concern remains for shallow rocky snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected. Moderate southwest winds and a low of -7°C at 1800 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with flurries bringing up to a few cm of new snow. Light to moderate southerly winds and freezing level rising to 1600 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow possible. Light to moderate southerly winds and a high of -2°C at 1800 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light westerly winds and a high of -2°C at 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow and southerly winds have formed storm and wind slabs at treeline and above. The largest slabs will likely be found on West through east aspects due to wind loading.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

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

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