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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 12th, 2022–Apr 13th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

South Coast.

Assess for slab formation and the bond to the underlying crust before committing to large terrain features. Treat the danger as a step higher if you find 30+ cm of fresh snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 30 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 1100 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 to 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches were observed in the region. Looking forward, riders could trigger new wind and storm slabs that formed Tuesday and into the night. The new snow may not bond to the underlying crust or hard surfaces (see this MIN) and could slide easily. Best to stay well back of cornices too, as they are very large at this time of year.

Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Anywhere from 10 to 40 cm of snow is likely to have accumulated by Wednesday morning, with associated easterly wind. Wind slabs may have formed in lee terrain features at higher elevations and storm slabs in areas sheltered from the wind. The snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust or hard snow. Remember that cornices are very large at this time of year.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.