Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 5th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs may still be encountered up high. Minimize exposure to cornices and steep, sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Monday night - Cloudy with clear periods / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine low temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m
Tuesday - A mix of sun and cloud / moderate to strong west wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1500 m
Wednesday - Snow, 10-15 cm / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1100 m
Thursday - Cloudy with sunny periods / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1400 m
Avalanche Summary
A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the storm. On Sunday, there were a few size 1-1.5 human triggered wind slab avalanches reported. This MIN describes triggering a small wind slab in large terrain. Looking forward, wind slabs could still be triggered by riders at high elevations.
Snowpack Summary
The region got about 20 cm of snow above 1600 m over the weekend. The snow was accompanied by strong southeast wind, so wind slabs may linger at high elevations on lee terrain features. The new snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except for north aspects above 1600 m, where it sits on previously dry snow. The snow surface has likely melted and frozen into a crust on sun-exposed aspects.
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
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- 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.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs could be triggered by riders in steep, lee terrain features at high elevations from Saturday's snow and strong southeast wind. Carefully assess for slab properties and the bond of the snow to the underlying snowpack prior to committing yourself to consequential avalanche terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind. They become increasingly weak when the sun comes out and freezing levels rise. They require a large berth when travelling above and below them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 6th, 2021 4:00PM
