Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 25th, 2019 4:04PM

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

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers; especially on lee features below alpine ridgetops.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Light, southwesterly winds / Alpine low -2 C / Freezing level 1500 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northerly winds / Alpine high 2 C / Freezing level 2000 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high -2 C / Freezing level 1400 m.

SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -1 C / Freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Wednesday. However, there are currently very few professional observers submitting daily observations. Please submit your observations to the MIN. Photos of avalanches or current conditions are particularly useful.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm. of new snow sits on a crust everywhere except high north facing terrain. Wind slabs created by last weeks storm may still linger in lee terrain below ridgetops. A layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in the upper snowpack could still be reactive to human triggers in isolated locations such as high elevation, north facing terrain.

Below treeline, snow is disappearing rapidly.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers; especially on lee features below alpine ridgetops.

  • Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
  • Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Any appearance of the strong April sun can initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle. The likelihood of loose wet avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.
  • A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2019 2:00PM