Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

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Low danger doesn't mean no danger, watch for small wind slabs, especially in the more extreme terrain, and be mindful that even brief periods of sun could induce loose avalanche activity.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Trace of snow, light west wind, freezing level at valley bottom.

SATURDAY: Broken cloud cover, trace of snow possible, light variable wind, freezing level at valley bottom.

SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover at dawn giving way to clear skies in the afternoon, no significant precipitation expected, moderate north wind, freezing level at valley bottom.

MONDAY: Scattered cloud cover, potential for some light flurries in the afternoon, strong north wind, freezing level at valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

Very little avalanche activity has been reported over the last four days.  

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting of snow rests on 30 cm of settled and bonded storm snow from last weekend. A sun crust is present about 30 cm below the surface on solar aspects.  

A strong mid-pack sits on top of weak facets near the ground.

Cornices are very large and exposure to them should be minimized, especially during warm or windy weather.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering, especially in more extreme terrain.

If the sun comes out, the likelihood of naturally triggered wet loose avalanches will increase rapidly.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2022 4:00PM