Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for pockets of wind slab forming in high leeward terrain features and be ready to dial back your terrain choices if you see more than 15 cm of new snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A couple of large cornice failures have been observed over the past few days. Both took place in high alpine areas in north-facing terrain. Neither of these failures propagated any weak layers on the slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of new snow falls over a widespread melt-freeze crust on all but high north-facing alpine terrain, where dry and/or wind affected snow may persist.

Weather Summary

Saturday night

Up to 5 cm of new snow at upper elevations. 30 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow at upper elevations. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy, clearing in the evening. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are possible where wind has deposited sufficient snow into lee terrain features at upper elevations. Wind slabs may be especially reactive where they sit over a crust.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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