Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 24th, 2019 4:22PM

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

Avalanche Canada cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

Thursday's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud following an improved overnight cooling period. Check out ourĀ  'Daily Melt-Freeze Cycles' spring scenario for guidance on managing these conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night: Clear with cloudy periods. Light to moderate northwest winds, becoming variable.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest winds. Alpine high temperatures around +1 with freezing levels to 2400 metres.

Friday: Cloudy with flurries bringing an uncertain trace to 10 cm of new snow mainly to higher elevations. Rain below about 1800 metres. Southwest winds increasing from light to strong over the day. Alpine high temperatures around 0 with freezing levels to 2100 metres.

Saturday: Cloudy with another round of flurries in the afternoon bringing about 5 cm of new snow by end of day and increasing overnight. Rain below about 1600 metres. Moderate to strong southwest winds easing to light over the day before shifting northeast and increasing overnight.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

In most places a combination of rain and warm temperatures has likely made the surface snow moist or wet. High elevation alpine and especially north aspects may still hold dry snow. If there has been a good overnight freeze, you may find 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

With clear skies and a high freezing level in the forecast again for Thursday, expect loose wet avalanches to run in steep terrain facing the sun. Surface crusts may take a bit longer to break down after improved cooling over Wednesday night.

  • 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: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 25th, 2019 2:00PM