Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 4th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
Up to 25 cm of storm snow has blanketed the region. Fresh storm slabs exist with deeper deposits on leeward slopes. If the sun pokes out expect avalanche activity to spike.
A conservative approach to terrain is a great way to ease into your day while assessing along the way.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength. Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: New snow 5-10 cm at upper elevations. Moderate West wind at ridgetop and freezing level's 1500 m during the day and dropping to valley bottom overnight.
Wednesday: Chance of flurries and sunshine. Ridgetop winds moderate from the southwest and freezing levels rise to 1500 m.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy with some sunny periods. Trace snow amounts. Strong southwest wind and freezing levels rising to 2000 m.Â
Avalanche Summary
The recent snow may have a poor bond to the underlying crust. Rider-triggered storm and wind slab avalanches remain likely on Tuesday.Â
On Sunday, several loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 from steep terrain were reported.Â
On Saturday, many large dry loose avalanches (up to size 3) were observed in steep terrain. Skiers triggered several small dry loose avalanches.Â
Snowpack Summary
15 to 25 cm of new storm snow fell at upper elevations. Strong west to southwest wind will be redistributing the new storm snow in exposed high elevation terrain forming touchy wind slabs and developing large cornices. The upper 60 cm of the snowpack consists of multiple buried crusts.Â
The new snow brings 40-70 cm of snow above the late March melt-freeze crust and tapers rapidly at lower elevations. This crust is present up to 1900 m on all aspects.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Storm Slabs
15 to 25 cm of new storm snow has accumulated throughout the region building fresh storm slabs. The slabs will be most reactive where they overlie a crust.
Moderate to strong southwest wind will redistribute the new snow and build fresh wind slabs in lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Springtime cornices are large and unpredictable. New snow and wind will further grow cornices, and the additional load can lead to cornice failures. Give them a wide berth when travelling at ridge crest and avoid overhead exposure.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 5th, 2022 4:00PM
