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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 3rd, 2023–Apr 4th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Carefully assess for changing conditions - unstable, spring weather can deliver highly variable snow amounts or periods of strong sun, which can increase avalanche hazard locally.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday a size 3 naturally triggered, deep persistent slab avalanche was reported in the western Purcells (southwest of Panorama). It occurred in large alpine terrain, west facing at 2800 m.

On Friday a size 3 naturally triggered avalanche was reported in the Dogtooth Range. While the failure plane is unknown the report mentions impressive propagation.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow and wind have formed wind slabs at upper elevations. Surface hoar may exist below the recent snow, in wind-sheltered and shaded terrain.

The mid-snowpack may still contain a few persistent weak layers of surface hoar in sheltered treeline terrain. No recent avalanche activity has occurred on these layers suggesting the layers have gained strength.

The lower snowpack includes a widespread layer of large, weak facets and or depth hoar crystals. This weak layer continues to be responsible for several very large and destructive avalanches throughout the season.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Mostly cloudy with clear breaks. Light east ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and scattered flurries, with trace accumulation. Light east ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures -5 to -10 C. Freezing level 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack remains very weak. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2.5 - 4

Wind Slabs

Recent new snow and wind has formed wind slabs in exposed lee terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2