Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada RJ, Avalanche Canada

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Sunny skies and high freezing levels are forcasted for Sunday. Start early and end early to take advantage of the overnight freeze.

It's still winter up high though; expect to find wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of recent snow has been redistributed by South to SW winds in the Alpine. It is still very much winter conditions above 2800m. Solar slopes and all aspects at tree line and below have a plethora of crusts in the upper snow pack. The Feb 3 PWL is down 40-100cm and remains a concern on shaded aspects above 2400m. The basal depth hoar/facets are gaining strength in deeper snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada

Sunday

A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine temps: High 2 °C. Wind southwest: 10-25 km/h. Freezing level: 2400m.

Monday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Wind west: 15-30 km/h. Freezing level: 1800m.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries (4cm). Wind northwest: 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Small wet avalanches are likely on steep slopes exposed to heat and/or sun. Watch your overhead exposure and use particular caution during the heat of the day when the sun is out. Moist or wet snow surface and pinwheeling are indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Ongoing moderate to strong winds have formed wind slabs on previous hard surfaces (sun crusts and old wind slabs). These have not bonded yet to the old surfaces.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. This problem remains a concern on shaded aspects above 2400m.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

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

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