Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Avalanche danger is expected to increase over the day as a storm impacts the region.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with early-morning snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1400 m.

SUNDAY: Early-morning snowfall then clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C.

MONDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday. Looking forward, avalanche activity may spike during stormy conditions on Saturday and into the night.

Snowpack Summary

A storm will bring snow above around 1400 m and strong southwest wind. Around 10 to 20 cm is expected to accumulated by Saturday afternoon, forming new storm slabs in sheltered terrain and wind slabs in exposed terrain at high elevations. The snow may take a few days to bond to an underlying melt-freeze crust everywhere except on north aspects above 1600 m. Below the rain-snow line, rain will soak an already moist snowpack.

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New slabs may form as a storm impacts the region. Storm slabs may build by the end of the day with forecasted 10 to 20 cm of snow above 1400 m. Wind slabs may form in lee terrain features at high elevations from strong southwest wind. Assess for slab formation before committing yourself to consequential terrain features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2021 4:00PM