Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Inland.
Recent wind has varied in direction, so you'll need to carefully evaluate for wind slabs on all aspects. The appearance of the strong April sun may initiate a round of loose avalanche activity, avoid being on or under steep south facing slopes.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Trace of snow possible, light northeast wind, freezing level at valley bottom.
MONDAY: Scattered cloud cover at dawn increasing to overcast after lunch, potential for up to 4 cm of snow above 1000 m in the afternoon, moderate southeast wind, freezing level beginning at valley bottom, rising to around 1000 m in the afternoon.Â
TUESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, no significant precipitation expected, strong east wind, freezing level holding at valley bottom.
WEDNESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, no significant precipitation expected, moderate east wind, freezing level holding near valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
Reported avalanche activity on Saturday was limited to loose dry avalanches to size 1.5 in steep rocky terrain.
On Friday we received some observations of an avalanche cycle that occurred during the storm which produced avalanches up to size 3.Â
Snowpack Summary
10 to 50 cm of recent snow has been formed into wind slabs by wind, first from the south/southwest, and more recently from the northeast. Below this snow, a hard melt-freeze crust is found. (In some of the snowier places in the region, you may find as much as 80 cm over the crust.)Â
Cornices are very large and exposure to them should be minimized, especially during warm or windy weather.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
20 to 50 cm of recent storm snow now rests on a crust. Winds from the south/southwest, and more recently northeast have formed wind slabs which are expected to be most problematic near ridge crest.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Although temperatures remain seasonally cool, the sun packs a lot of punch this time of year. Take care to avoid being on or underneath south facing slopes that are baking in the sun, especially after lunch.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2