Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2019 3:48PM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Winter is coming... back and new snow should improve riding quality, especially in the alpine. But, new snow and wind may be forming fresh slabs, so you need to carefully check out the bond of the new snow before committing to your line.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Winter is coming, back, at least to the alpine for the next few days. These storm systems are pretty convective which makes it difficult to pin down accurate snowfall amounts, but the weekend storm should offer a modest amount of snow for the region. There is a bit of a lull Sunday through Tuesday before another shot of precipitation looks to make landfall Tuesday night.SATURDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 500 m, moderate northwest wind, 1 to 7 cm of snow.SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 1200 m, light west wind, trace of snow possible. MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level rising to around 1300 m, light southwest wind, trace of snow possible. TUESDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 1200 m, moderate to strong southwest wind, 2 to 5 cm of snow possible.

Avalanche Summary

The last reported avalanche activity came on Thursday when small loose wet avalanches were reported from steep terrain. If you're out we'd love it if you would submit what you're seeing to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

The region is receiving a bit of new snow, but as of Saturday afternoon amounts are less than 5 cm. As we enter into mid-April we're dealing with a classic warm snowpack. At and below treeline the snowpack is becoming isothermal. We're entering a cooler period for the next few days, so a surface crust is expected to remain supportive. This supportive crust is what the new snow will come to rest on in most locations. The exception is high elevation north facing features where up to 20 cm of cold dry snow sits above the April 4th crust which may have some surface hoar or facets above it.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh slab development is likely, especially in terrain near ridgecrest. High elevation north may be harboring old wind slabs and new snow is unlikely to bond well to the underlying crust on high elevation south and west facing slopes.

Recent new snow may be hiding wind slabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

The sun can really pack a punch this time of year. Small doses of sun could initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle. The likelihood of loose avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a period of time.

A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2019 2:00PM