Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 13th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
IG,
Avalanche Canada
Its heating up! Strong sun and high freezing levels are forecast for Sunday, expect the snowpack to deteriorate in the heat
Challenging/variable riding exists on all slopes that face the sun and on all aspects tree line and below.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There were a few large (up to size 2.5) avalanches observed in the highway corridor from steep unsupported terrain in recent days.
The storm slab is bonded poorly to the crust below and reports of remotely triggered avalanches are still coming in throughout the region.
Thursday, a field team observed two remotely triggered size 1 storm slabs above the Bonney Moraines on E aspects, failing on the Apr 9th crust.
Snowpack Summary
In the Alpine and Tree-line, 20-30cm of heavy moist snow sits over a firm crust on any slope that faces the sun. Dry snow may be found on high North facing slopes
At tree line the snow depth is at a record low of around 220cm. The Feb 3rd crust/facet layer persists at upper elevations, buried down 80-140cm.
Below treeline the snowpack is going through its typical spring melt/freeze cycle, firm in the morning then breaking down and becoming isothermal with daily warming.
Weather Summary
A brief ridge of high pressure sets up for the weekend giving clear skies and warm temps.
Tonight: Clear with cloudy periods. Nil precip, freezing level(FZL) 2300m
Sun: Mix sun/cloud. High 4 °C, FZL 2600m. Gusty SW wind 15-40.
Mon: Cloudy w sunny periods & isolated flurries. High -1 °C. FZL 2200m. Wind west 20-35 km/hr.
Tues: Flurries amounting to 7cm. Wind N 10-25km/hr. FZL 1400m
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully monitor the bond between the new snow and old surface.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The settled storm slab is bonding poorly to the crust below. Use extra caution near ridge crests and lee features, where deeper wind deposits will be more reactive. Natural avalanches will be possible on solar aspects when the spring sun shines!
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Loose snow avalanches may be triggered by the strong spring sun in steep/rocky terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 14th, 2024 4:00PM
