Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Assess for wind slabs before committing to steep lines.

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

MONDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

Avalanche Summary

A few small loose avalanches were observed out of steep terrain on Sunday. Otherwise, no recent avalanches were reported.

Looking forward, wind slabs could be triggered by riders out of steep terrain. Use caution on sun-exposed slopes and near cornices during the heat of the day, when resulting avalanches are more likely.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of dry, wind-affected snow sits above a hard melt-freeze crust in the alpine. Wind slabs could form in lee terrain features in the alpine from strong northeast wind. A surface melt-freeze crust is found at treeline and below, which may moisten during daytime heating.

Various melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper to middle snowpack. There are no deeper concerns at this time.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found in alpine terrain. Use caution entering steep slopes below ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2022 4:00PM