Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada CG, Avalanche Canada

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A warm, cohesive storm slab is perched atop either a crust on solar aspects, or surface hoar/facets on polar aspects.

With this knowledge, be aware of the possibility of remote triggering an avalanche onto yourself or others around you.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has decreased with the dropping temps. Monday's artillery control produced good results, with numerous avalanches from sz 2 to 4 propagating widely on the crust and/or the surface hoar/facet combo from March 31.

On Sunday, an experienced group remote-triggered an avalanche on a NE facing slope by the Cleaver, injuring 1 person.

Snowpack Summary

35cm of storm snow and strong, gusty SW winds have formed a reactive storm slab, thicker in lee features. This slab is propagating and stepping down to the March 31 layer (crust on solar aspects, facet/surface hoar on polar aspects).

The snowpack is generally strong. However, the Nov 17 basal weakness can still be found near the ground in many locations.

Weather Summary

Continuing unsettled weather for Wed, then a clearing trend for the end of the week.

Tonight: Isolated flurries, Alp low -9*C, moderate W winds, 700m FZL

Wed: Cloudy with some sun, Alp high -5*C, light NW winds, 1700m FZL

Thurs: Mix of sun and cloud, Alp high -5*C, light NW winds, 1700m FZL

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

The new storm slabs require more time to bond with the underlying surface. These slabs sit on crusts on solar aspects, surface hoar/facets on N'ly slopes, and may have a propensity to propagate widely (10-50m) underfoot.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

There has been no activity on this layer for several weeks, but the recent warming and precipitation could be enough to re-activate this layer. Lower, rain-soaked elevations may be more likely to see deep releases to ground.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2023 4:00PM

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