Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 4 – 5, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Carefully assess the wind slab hazard as you gain elevation. Rider triggerable wind slab exists in exposed terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs exist in exposed treeline and alpine terrain. Size and sensitivity to triggering could be greater where wind slab has formed over a crust.

Confidence

Moderate - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

Monday night: Flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow and moderate to strong west winds. Low of -6 at 2000 m.  

TUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. moderate west wind and freezing level around 1700 m.

Wednesday: Sunny with no new snow expected and light to moderate west winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Thursday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Moderate to strong southwest winds and freezing levels rising to 2500 m.

Avalanche Summary

We suspect new rider triggerable wind slabs can be found in exposed terrain at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

New wind slabs exist on exposed alpine and treeline terrain. A crust exists on or near the surface on all aspects to around 2500 m and likely to mountain top on sun affected slopes. This crust will likely become moist at lower elevations as the freezing level rises. 

Below 1700 m, the snowpack has been reported as being moist to ground, and is becoming isothermal.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

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