Avalanche Forecast
Issued: May 5th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
JMinifie,
Avalanche Canada
New snow likely formed wind slabs in steeper alpine features. Avalanche conditions could vary with elevation.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to difficult to forecast freezing levels.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: alpine low -4C, wind north/northeast 10km/h, increasing cloudiness
THURSDAY: alpine low -4 high 3C, wind north/northeast 20-30km/h, mostly cloudy, 2cm new snow
FRIDAY: alpine low -2C high 3C, wind southwest 10-20km/h, mostly cloudy, trace precipitation
SATURDAY: alpine low -2C high 2, wind south 20km/h, mostly cloudy, trace precipitation
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported since the weekend. That said, we have a similar weather pattern to last week when small wind slabs were reported in the alpine and isolated wet slab avalanches were reported at lower elevations.Â
Snowpack Summary
Between last week and this week we have accumulated up to 30cm of dry snow in the alpine above 1600m. Some of this snow has likely been blown into wind slabs in specific terrain features. Below 1600m the upper snowpack is isothermal, moist, and mushy.Â
The lower snowpack in White Pass is deep for this time of year with no layers of concern. Areas further inland, such as the Wheaton Valley, may have a shallower and weaker snowpack.
Cornices are still very large. Recent cold temperatures have kept cornice failures to a minimum but they should always be treated with respect in the spring, especially when the air temperature rises.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- Firm cornices can pull back into flat terrain at ridgetop if they fail.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow was likely deposited into wind slabs in the alpine on Tuesday. This may produce sensitive slabs where terrain breaks over steeply at higher elevations. I will once again be approaching these places with caution until I can confirm this possibility.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large at this time of season. Best practice is to stay well-back from them on ridgelines and limit your exposure travelling beneath them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Assess for the wetness of the snow surface as you travel, particularly as you transition from alpine to treeline elevations later in the day. Use caution in very steep terrain if the snow surface is wet, and limit your overhead exposure of steep slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: May 7th, 2021 4:00PM
