Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 22nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Fresh wind slabs are expected to form throughout the day. Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
If you see greater than 20 cm of new snow in your riding area, treat the avalanche danger as CONSIDERABLE.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light flurries, up to 5 cm of accumulation in coastal areas. Moderate to strong southerly winds. Freezing level around 1300 m.
SATURDAY: Continued snowfall will become mixed with rain at lower elevations. Freezing level 1000 to 1400 m. Snowfall accumulation at higher elevations of 5 to 20 cm, heaviest in coastal areas. Strong to extreme wind from the south.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with precipitation, 5-10 cm of new snow accumulation at higher elevations. Freezing level 1400 m. Moderate to strong southerly winds.Â
MONDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Freezing level 1400 m. Light southerly winds.Â
Avalanche Summary
A small skier-triggered wind slab was reported near Terrace on Wednesday (size 1). This avalanche occurred on a convex roll in the alpine and failed on a slick melt-freeze crust.Â
Numerous wet loose avalanches (size 1-2) were observed on steep solar aspects on Thursday afternoon as a result of strong solar radiation.Â
Looking forward to Saturday, fresh wind slabs are expected to be reactive to human-triggering in the alpine and treeline, particularly where they overlie a crust, facetted snow, or surface hoar. Wet loose avalanches will be possible at low elevations with rain and warm temperatures. These avalanches will likely be limited to small releases on isolated slopes in extreme terrain.
Snowpack Summary
New snow and southerly winds are expected to create fresh deposits of wind slab in the alpine and treeline. This 5-20 cm of new snow overlies heavily wind-affected and facetted surfaces, the product of strong outflow wind and cold temperatures early last week. A crust can be found on steep solar aspects. Below 1200 m, a more widespread crust exists at or near the surface, which may break down throughout the day with rain and warm temperatures. Above 1200 m, 40-100 cm overlies another hard melt-freeze crust from late March.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and southerly winds are expected to form fresh and reactive wind slabs in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
Use caution entering lee terrain features below ridges. The snow could slide easily where it rests on a hard melt-freeze crust, surface hoar, or facetted snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large this time of year and were likely weakened by recent cold temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun. Give them a wide berth when you are travelling on ridgelines and avoid overhead exposure to large cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
