Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2017 4:24PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Benign weather after a good melt-freeze cycle. Remember to use good travel habits, consider human factors, and watch for isolated areas with unstable snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Overcast with light snow in the evening, south wind increasing to 60 km/h, freezing level up to 1400 m after an overnight freeze.WEDNESDAY: Scattered flurries with about 5 cm, strong south wind, and freezing level around 1400 m.THURSDAY: Light flurries, moderate southwest wind, freezing level dropping below 500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-2 wind slabs were reported in steep terrain in a deep snow area in the Howsons on Sunday. No other new avalanches have been reported in the region since last week, when 2 large cornice triggered slabs were reported in the Microwave area. Slab avalanches are most probable at higher elevations that haven't been through daily melt-freeze cycles.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of dry snow may exist on northern aspects above 1300 m, with isolated wind slabs in exposed terrain. Periods of sun and high daytime freezing levels have developed crusts below treeline and on sun exposed terrain at all elevations. The snow may be moist or wet below treeline during the warmest part of the day. The February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may lingering in the lee of exposed terrain at higher elevations. Cornices have been a recent trigger for slab avalanches.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets. Be aware of wide variation in snowpack depthMinimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2017 2:00PM