Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2019 3:07PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

South winds have likely formed fresh slabs that rest on a widespread crust. The best riding and highest danger are expected to overlap on high elevation north facing features. Even a brief appearance of the sun may initiate loose wet activity too.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

The weather models continue to have a tough time with the current pattern and the region has been receiving less precipitation than forecasted over the last few days. Unfortunately there is still quite a bit of uncertainty, so take the following precipitation and wind speed values with a grain of salt. SUNDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 1000 m, strong southwest wind, trace of snow possible.MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level holding around 1300 m, moderate southwest wind, a trace of snow possible.TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level holding around 1300 m, moderate west/southwest wind, trace of snow possible.WEDNESDAY: Broken cloud cover in the morning with potential for some clearing in the afternoon, freezing level holding around 1200 m, light southwest wind, trace of snow possible.

Avalanche Summary

No significant recent avalanche activity to report. If you're out we'd love it if you would submit what you're seeing to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 20 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formed shallow storm slabs that may remain sensitive to human triggering.North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.

Problems

Storm Slabs

5 to 20 cm of storm snow rests on a widespread crust. Light to moderate southerly winds may be forming shallow storm slabs in high elevation north facing features which may remain sensitive to human triggering.

Watch for rapidly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Fresh snow rests on a widespread crust, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

Some filtered sunshine on Monday may initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle in the new snow. The likelihood of loose avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2019 2:00PM