Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 13th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Deryl Kelly,
Forecast reflects the highest probable hazard for the day.
Expect varied conditions depending on aspect and elevation. Early starts and finishes to the day is still the best way to avoid the highest hazard period.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A wonderful blocking ridge over Northern BC and Alberta will cycle the first real kiss of spring conditions into the whole region, including the Icefields Parkway. Positive daytime temperatures, light winds, strong solar and rising freezing levels to as high as 2500m can be expected daily, and for the near future.
Snowpack Summary
Varied surface conditions though the region. In the Icefields, the mid-pack is firm and bridging a weaker, lower snowpack. Shallow regions like Maligne, and all BTL locations are susceptible to wide, diurnal temperature swings (up to ~30 degree temp. difference), making for extremely weak, wet, hazardous conditions, especially on any solar aspects.
Avalanche Summary
A few cornice failures in the Whistlers area observed pulling deeper slabs. One notable, large avalanche running to ground off the north face of Manx Peak. These are good reminders that large slab avalanches up to size 3 are still occurring within the bulletin region from the alpine, traveling well into TL and BTL terrain with momentum.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
Keep an eye out for rising temperatures and strong solar radiation. Start early and finish early to avoid the highest hazard period, early afternoon through to dark.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices will wake up with increasing temperatures, solar radiation and, will likely trigger deeper instabilities on the slope below. If you must travel near or below cornices, use good travel techniques and group management to reduce your exposure.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Forecasters are noting an increase in activity; seeing many larger slides, stepping down to ground or ice. Shallow snowpack areas would have the increased potential for human triggering.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 14th, 2021 4:00PM
