Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
Although it is forecast to stay relatively cool during the day, the intensity of the sun will increase the likelihood of thin wet loose avalanches running on steep solar aspects during the warmest part of the day.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
There was a skier remote triggered (from a distance) cornice fall which subsequently triggered a size 3 persistent slab avalanche on a northeast aspect at 1750m on Saturday. The trigger point was at a thin spot on top of a flat ridgetop. The fracture was 200cm deep and was suspected of running on a layer of facets sitting on a crust buried in January.
Let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Slopes facing the sun are likely moist or have a thin surface crust. 5 to 15 cm of new snow falling late last week sits on wind-pressed surfaces in the alpine. Soft older snow may be found in shady, wind-sheltered areas. A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets buried in early January is now over 1 m deep in most areas and was responsible for an avalanche release recently. The lower snowpack consists of basal facets, particularly in thin snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 2-3cm, light to moderate west and northwest wind, alpine temperature around -11 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny, light to moderate northwest wind, alpine temperature around -9°C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 2-4cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature around -6 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 1-2cm, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature around -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Loose Wet
As surface snow loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches may become common in steeper terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A layer of facets sitting on a crust buried in January has recently been reactive. Most likely triggers would be around thin spots or with a heavy load like a cornice fall or the weight of a smaller avalanche in motion stepping down.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
