Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 15th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Monitor surface conditions as you move through aspects and gain elevation. Watch for dense, wind affected snow at higher elevations and moist or wet surface snow if the sun starts to shine.
Check out the new forecaster blog if you're considering big lines this weekend.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack. Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
A cool and unsettled flow will affect coastal regions into the weekend. Convective flurries are expected in isolated areas and may be heavy at times.Â
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy skies with flurries bringing only a trace overnight. Light easterly winds continue with freezing levels dropping to 500 m.
SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m. Flurries bring trace amounts of snow.
SUNDAY: Cloud clears in the afternoon with increasing southeasterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m. Isolated flurries are expected to bring trace amounts.Â
MONDAY: Snow begins in the morning with 10-20 cm expected, freezing levels remain around 1000 m. Strong southeast winds ease to moderate over the day with mostly cloudy skies.Â
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Thursday.Â
A size 1 slab avalanche was reported on a north facing slope on Wednesday. The avalanche was 25 cm deep and failed on the interface between storm snow and the underlying crust indicating a poor bond.Â
Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow of 10-30 cm has begun to settle over a widespread and supportive crust. Wind affected snow can now be found mainly on south and west aspects at treeline and above, from recent easterly winds. Watch for large, overhanging cornices when travelling on or below ridgelines. Reports suggest they are large and weak, and could fail from your weight.Â
A melt freeze crust can be found on the surface of south facing slopes at treeline and below. Periods of sun may soften or break down the crust throughout the day.
The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong while temperatures remain cool, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slabs may be found at higher elevations from recent easterly winds. Watch for wind affected snow near ridgelines and around mid slope rollovers.
Weak cornices may also be found on many aspects. Cornice falls are more likely as temperatures warm each day, or when strong sunshine is present.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 16th, 2022 4:00PM
