Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Apr 12 – 13, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Warm temperatures and strong solar radiation have settled up to 40 cm of recent snow into a reactive slab.

Stay alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    High freezing levels and strong solar radiation increase the likelihood of cornice failure.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Warm temperatures and strong solar radiation have settled up to 40 cm of recent snow into a reactive slab.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Strong solar radiation will trigger wet loose avalanches on steep sunny slopes.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Several natural and rider triggered storm/wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on primarily northerly aspects in the alpine on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 15 cm of new snow sits on a thin crust everywhere except north facing aspects at upper elevations where the recent snow remained dry.

Up to 40 cm of recent snow can be found at upper elevations and is settling rapidly with intense solar radiation and warm temperatures. Previous southwest wind formed slabs on lee features in the alpine.

The recent snow sits above a crust in most areas. The exception is on northerly aspects above 2200 m where it overlies dry snow.Expect difficult travel at lower elevations with thin snow coverage.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 7 °C. Freezing level 2900 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for additional weather information.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Regions covered