Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for wind loaded pockets in leeward alpine features and back off sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
A couple of small (size 1) natural and skier triggered wind slab avalanches were reported in the alpine on the weekend.
Last week, cornice failures were notably not propagating any weak layers on slopes below but there was one report of a remotely skier-triggered size 2 failing on moist snow below a recently buried crust.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of recent snow in the alpine is settling rapidly in mild temperatures, with surfaces becoming moist on sunny aspects and lower elevations. The recent snow sits over a widespread melt-freeze crust on all but high north-facing alpine terrain, where snow is dry and likely wind affected.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Clear. 10 to 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 600 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level 2500m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy flurries in the afternoon bringing a trace. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may remain triggerable in lee terrain features at upper elevations. They may be especially reactive where they sit over a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Cold dry snow will be especially sensitive to warm temperatures and strong sun. Expect loose avalanches on steep sunny slopes and at elevations where temperatures rise above zero.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
