Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2019 4:24PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

It has been above freezing temperatures right to mountaintop for several days and nights now. Expect the snowpack to weaken rapidly with daytime warming and any amount of sun. If you are heading out, start your day early and end it early.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY Night: Clear periods / moderate southwest winds / alpine high temperature 3 C, freezing level 2400 m

TUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks / moderate west wind / alpine high temperature 6 C / freezing level 2500 m

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light west wind / alpine high temperature 5 / freezing level 2300 m

THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature 5 / freezing level 2400 m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region. There have been successive nights without the surface snow refreezing all the way to mountaintop. If the sun comes out for any length of time, expect loose wet avalanche activity to increase rapidly. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

In most places rain from Saturday has likely made the surface snow moist or wet except for the highest elevation alpine. If there has been a good overnight freeze, there may be a supportive crust on the surface. The mid and lower snowpack pack are likely a mixture of moist snow and crusts. Below treeline the snowpack has melted or is isothermal.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Expect loose wet avalanches to run in steep terrain facing the sun with clear skies and a high freezing level forecast for Tuesday. Expect surface crusts to break down quickly with overnight temperatures that have been near zero or above freezing.

  • A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches all indicate increased instability.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2019 2:00PM