Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2019 3:37PM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

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The region could pick up 5 cm of new snow Friday night, but that is expected to have little impact on avalanche hazard. Continue to minimize exposure to steep slopes as temperatures warm through the day, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

The weather models are having a pretty tough time getting a handle on the current weather pattern and even the professional meteorologists are pulling out their hair. The freezing levels are thought to be fairly accurate, but the wind and precipitation values should be taken as a suggestion at best.FRIDAY NIGHT: Moderate southwest wind, freezing level beginning at 2000 m lowering to around 1500 m, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible at upper elevation.SATURDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 1500 m, moderate to strong west/southwest wind, trace of snow.SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level rising to 2000 m, moderate to strong southwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible at upper elevations.MONDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level holding around 2000 m, strong west wind, trace of snow possible at upper elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches to size 1 were reported from steep alpine features on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack, and it looks like that trend will continue into the weekend. During the heat of the day and especially under direct sun, the snowpack has become moist or wet except for sheltered north-facing alpine areas. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.Steep, north facing alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry snowpack where a well settled slab sits over weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
As temperatures warm through the day or if the sun comes out for prolonged periods of time, the chances of loose avalanches will increase, especially in areas with fresh snow.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2019 2:00PM