Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 21st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Choose mellow slopes that are not exposed to the wind, and consider travelling on ridgetops or wide benches to avoid exposing yourself to avalanche danger from above. Storm slabs remain reactive to rider traffic.
Spring is late to arrive! Snowpack conditions at treeline and above are still very wintery.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
During this week, storm snow was generally reactive to human traffic (e.g., as seen here during Tuesday's storm), and in this Mountain Information Network post from the SkyPilot area.
We expect that similar avalanches could be triggered by riders on Saturday within the storm snow from Thursday night through Saturday. Best to give the snowpack a bit more time to settle and bond before committing to consequential terrain.
Avoiding cornice exposure is also a good idea, as they are very large and looming at this time of year.
Snowpack Summary
Storm totals will reach 20-40 cm by the end of the day on Saturday, maintaining storm slabs that started forming on Friday night. This adds to the 100 cm of snow that accumulated over the week. Strong southerly wind was blowing overnight on Thursday which means deeper and touchier deposits may be found in lee terrain features in wind-exposed terrain.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong and well-bonded.
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy. 0-5 cm of snow expected. Snow/rain line between 750 and 1000 m. Treeline low around -3°C. Light southwest ridgetop wind.
Saturday
Cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Snow/rain line between 1000 and 1200 m. Treeline high 0 °C. Light to moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind.
Sunday
Cloudy. Moderate rain, 15 to 20 mm overnight, and 2 to 5 mm through the day. Snow/rain line between 1500 and 2000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind.
Monday
Low cloud. Light snow/rain. Snow/rain line between 1000 and 1500 m. Light northwest ridgetop wind.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Choose relatively conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
- Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm totals are up to 20 to 40 cm for Thursday night through Saturday afternoon. Use caution entering steep terrain features and assess for signs of instability. Slabs may be deeper and toucher on northerly terrain features at high elevations in wind-exposed terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2023 4:00PM
