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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 17th, 2023–Apr 18th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies, Blue River, McBride, Premier, Sugarbowl, Clemina, North Monashee, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Good riding can still be found on high-elevation shady terrain.

The field data upon which we build this forecast is limited this time of year; continually assess conditions as you travel and adjust objectives, terrain choices, and travel techniques to match your local conditions.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported since last week.

Snowpack Summary

On north aspects above 1600 m, recent snow is settling over old, sugary, faceted grains, now around 30-70 cm deep.

On solar aspects to mountain top, and north aspects to around 2000m the recent snow either overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust or there is a crust at the surface. Solar aspects are becoming moist in the afternoon, as are all aspects at lower elevations (around 1700 or 1800 m).

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong. A weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack remains a concern, primarily in alpine terrain with shallow or variable (thick and thin) snowpack depths.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature around -5 C.

Tuesday

Mostly clear with increasing cloud. Moderate southeast winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, with flurries beginning in the afternoon. Moderate east ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with scattered flurries. Moderate east ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by warming or cornice fall may be large and destructive.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.