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, Cornices and Loose Wet.
TRettie,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully monitor the change in snowpack conditions as you gain elevation and change aspects. Conditions will vary from one slope to another.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.
Weather Forecast
Friday night: Light flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow with light northwest winds. Low of -5 at 2000 m.
Saturday: Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light northwest winds shifting to west in the afternoon and freezing levels rising to 2200 m.
Sunday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Light to moderate south winds and freezing levels rising to 2300 m.
Monday: 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected at higher elevations with moderate south wind. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday several skier triggered storm slab avalanches to size two were observed in the region. These avalanches were generally at upper treeline or alpine. Small wet loose avalanches were also observed on solar aspects.
We suspect that wind slab will remain reactive to rider traffic in the alpine. Wet loose avalanches will likely occur on all aspects and elevations except high north facing terrain.
Snowpack Summary
On northerly aspects above 2000 m, around 20 cm of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces including old wind effect and facets. The upper snowpack contains several crusts that extend to mountain tops on solar aspects.Moist snow will likely be observed on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs will likely be found in exposed alpine terrain. These new slabs likely won't bond well to the underlying surfaces.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
wet loose avalanches will likely occur in steep terrain as the sun comes out and the freezing level rises.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
