Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 7th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
The weather pattern right now is dynamic and fast-changing, and we're unsure about how the snowpack will react. During times of uncertainty, lean on a conservative approach to terrain, a cautious mindset, and continually make observations as you travel.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Thursday Night: Cloudy and rain 5-10 mm. WARM. Freezing levels are stationary near 3000 m but forecast to drop to 1500 m by mid-morning Friday. Ridgetop winds light to moderate from the southwest.
Friday: Cloudy. New snow 5 to 15 cm at upper elevations and light ridgetop wind from the southwest. Freezing levels drop to 1300 m by mid-day.
Saturday: Cloudy with sunny periods. New snow 5 cm and freezing levels 1200 m. Alpine temperatures near -10 C and ridgetop winds light from the northwest.
Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud. Chance of flurries. Freezing level near 1000 m and alpine temperatures -5 C. Ridgetop winds light from the West.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, solar-induced natural wet loose avalanches were reported up to size 2, and a cornice fall triggered a size 2 wind slab on the slope below.
On Tuesday, solar-induced dry loose and storm slab avalanches were reported up to size 2.
On Monday, numerous natural and rider-triggered wind and storm slabs up to size 2 were reported. Some dry loose avalanches were also seen from steep terrain features up to size 1.
Warm temperatures, rain and snow may trigger a natural avalanche cycle on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Moist snow surfaces exist up to 1700 m on most aspects and to ridgetop on solar slopes. This may extend to higher elevations by Friday morning.
Up to 25 cm of new storm snow fell at upper elevations. Moderate southwest wind will be redistributing the new storm snow in exposed high elevation terrain forming wind slabs and large cornices. The upper 60 cm of the snowpack consists of multiple buried crusts.
The new snow brings 50-70 cm of snow above the late March melt-freeze crust and tapers rapidly at lower elevations.
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Terrain and Travel
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.
- Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by warming or cornice fall may be large and destructive.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
50-70 cm of recent storm snow sits above a crust at treeline and above. Warming will likely consolidate the new snow into a reactive slab, producing large avalanches.
Avalanches may start as dry slabs in the alpine but entrain wet snow and run into below treeline elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
No overnight refreeze, warm temperatures and rain at lower elevations may weaken the upper snowpack, creating wet avalanches.
Wet loose avalanche activity will likely decline as the temperature drops and a surface crust forms.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Springtime cornices are large and unpredictable. Warming can pack a punch and 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 8th, 2022 4:00PM
