Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 7th, 2019–Apr 8th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Keep an eye out for wind slabs in lee terrain. As the temperatures rise through the day, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase the snowpack warms, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy / east-southeast wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine temperature -4 C / freezing level dropping to valley bottomMONDAY NIGHT: Mix of sun and cloud / south wind, 10-15 km/h / alpine temperature -1 C / freezing level 1800 mTUESDAY: Cloudy / west-southwest wind / 15-25 km/h / alpine temperature -2 C / freezing level 1800 mWEDNESDAY: Flurries, 10-15 cm snow / west-southwest wind 15-35 km/h / alpine temperature -3 C / freezing level 1500 m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, small (size 1-1.5) storm slabs and wind slabs were reactive to skier traffic. Cornices were reactive to explosives and triggered large (size 2) slab avalanches as they fell on the slopes below. Small storm slabs were triggered by skiers on Friday, within the recent storm snow up to 40 cm thick. The likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will increase if the sun shines, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow has been blown around by strong to extreme southerly wind. This snow overlies dry, cold snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Around 20 to 30 cm of snowfall has accumulated above 1400 m and has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Use added caution in lee terrain features, where deposits will be deepest and most reactive.

The new snow may require time to settle and stabilize.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

The recent snow will moisten quickly if the clouds clear. Loose wet avalanches can become dangerous quickly, so use added caution when the sun is out.

Cornice falls could trigger avalanches on slopes below them.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid sun-exposed slopes and overhead exposure during periods of intense sun.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5