Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Avoid being on, or under steep, sun affected slopes in the afternoon.

Hazard will peak with strong sunshine and warm temperatures.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Sun and rising temperatures produced loose wet activity on many steep slopes, check out this MIN for more details (photo below). We expect this to continue as temperatures remain high.

On Thursday reactive slabs were observed on all steep slopes, reactive to human triggers. This snow has now become moist or wet.

If you head into the backcountry, please submit any observations or photos to the Mountain Information Network, observations are limited in the spring.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of moist or wet snow sits over a widespread crust that extends to ridgetop everywhere except high north facing slopes. This surface snow may not refreeze overnight leading to soft and slushy conditions, ideal for wet snow avalanches.

Below treeline elevations have minimal snow cover, if any at all. Expect challenging travel conditions with hazards like rocks, stumps and open creeks.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clear skies. 20-30 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Freezing level remains above 2500 m.

Sunday

Mostly sunny with a few clouds. 20-40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures between +10 and +7 °C. Freezing level drops over the day to 2000 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with possible flurries. 40-60 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level around 1000 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with possible flurries. 10-20 km/h northerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level around 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Avalanches are most likely on steep, sun affected slopes as temperatures remain high.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2024 4:00PM

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