Avalanche forecast

North Rockies

Apr 19 – 20, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Carefully assess the wind slab hazard as you gain elevation. Field data is limited in the region so please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New wind slabs can be found at treeline and above. These wind slabs will likely not bond well to the underlying surfaces.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Low of -10 at 1700 m. Light flurries bringing around 5 cm of new snow with light variable winds.

 

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southeast winds and freezing levels rising to around 1500 m.

 

THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.

Friday: Sunny with no new snow expected and light westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported. Information is limited at this time of year. Please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow overlies old wind effected surfaces. Below this a melt-freeze crust can be found down up to 40 cm on all aspects to 2000 m and mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40-70 cm deep.

Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.

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