Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for signs of instability as you travel - new snow may not bond well with the crust below.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. With storm snow and wind forecast, potential increases for slab avalanches to occur on Sunday.

If you have any recent photos or observations, please submit them to the Mountain Information Network, observations are limited in the spring.

Snowpack Summary

By Sunday afternoon around 20 cm of storm snow may have fallen, overlying a widespread crust. The bond between old and new snow may be poor, creating reactive conditions. Deeper and more reactive deposits can likely be found near ridglines, on north and east facing slopes.

Below treeline terrain has low snow cover, this storm snow will not change that. Travel conditions are challenging with exposed (or barely hidden) rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with rain turning to snow, around 15 cm is possible. Freezing levels drop from 1900 m to 900 m by morning. 50-60 km/h southwest winds.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy skies may clear late afternoon. Another 5 cm of snow possible in the morning. Freezing levels remain around 800 m. 30 km/h westerly winds. Treeline temperatures around -4 °C.

Monday

Mostly clear skies with no snowfall expected. 10-20 km/h easterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with 30 km/h southwest wind. Freezing levels steady around 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm snow (dry or wet) may slide easily on the crust below. Avoid steep or consequential features until the new snow has had time to bond. Greatest reactivity is expected in wind affected features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

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

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