Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 15th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Cornices.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for pockets of lingering wind slab in steep exposed terrain features and keep your distance from weak overhanging cornices.
Check out the newest forecaster blog if you are thinking of checking off some big spring objectives.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries bringing trace amounts overnight. Light and variable winds. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with light flurries bringing up to 3 cm over the day. Light and variable winds. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with light flurries bringing up to 5 cm. Light northeasterly winds. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.
MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with moderate to strong easterly winds. Flurries bring trace amounts of snow. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Thursday.
A size 3 cornice-triggered slab avalanche was observed near White Pass on Tuesday. This avalanche occurred on an east aspect in the alpine.
Several small human-triggered wind slabs (size 1) were reported during the outflow wind event on Monday and Tuesday.
Avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool weather trend. However, always consider the possibility of pockets of wind slabs in steep alpine terrain, cornice failures, and wet loose avalanches if the sun is out.
Snowpack Summary
Strong northerly winds have created hard wind affected surfaces throughout the region.
On south and west facing slopes up to 1400 m a surface crust from spring sunshine can be found, while other aspects hold dry snow. The mid-snowpack is generally strong, overlying weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack.
Check out this MIN report for an overview of current conditions in the Fraser area.
Terrain and Travel
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. They are a significant hazard alone, and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely as temperatures warm each day, or when strong sunshine is present.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 16th, 2022 4:00PM
