Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 17th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
Good riding can still be found on high-elevation shady terrain.
The field data upon which we build this forecast is limited this time of year; continually assess conditions as you travel and adjust objectives, terrain choices, and travel techniques to match your local conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported since last week.
Snowpack Summary
On north aspects above 1600 m, recent snow is settling over old, sugary, faceted grains, now around 30-70 cm deep.
On solar aspects to mountain top, and north aspects to around 2000m the recent snow either overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust or there is a crust at the surface. Solar aspects are becoming moist in the afternoon, as are all aspects at lower elevations (around 1700 or 1800 m).
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong. A weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack remains a concern, primarily in alpine terrain with shallow or variable (thick and thin) snowpack depths.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature around -5 C.
Tuesday
Mostly clear with increasing cloud. Moderate southeast winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, with flurries beginning in the afternoon. Moderate east ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with scattered flurries. Moderate east ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
- Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by warming or cornice fall may be large and destructive.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Problems
Wind Slabs
With recent wind, and various amounts of new snow, anticipate fresh wind slab development. Watch for these wind slab pockets, primarily in steep north and east-facing leeward slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. Thinner snowpack areas and areas with variable thick and thin coverage at alpine elevations is where this problem is most likely found. April's warming temperatures may gradually increase the sensitivity of this layer, especially in thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 18th, 2023 4:00PM
