Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 21st, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow.
Summary
Confidence
High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level rising to 2100 m.
SATURDAY: Early-morning snowfall then mix of sun and cloud, accumulation 5 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature 0 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2200 m.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2400 m.
Avalanche Summary
We received a report of a rider-triggered avalanche in a north-facing steep chute. The slab was 20 cm thick and reportedly ran a long distance. Otherwise a few small wet loose avalanches were observed.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 to 20 cm of snow since Tuesday formed wind slabs in lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline and on sun-exposed slopes, the snowpack is moist and consolidated. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features. Assess for slab properties before committing to steep terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are very large and are becoming more fragile with each day of warming. Stand well back on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them during the heat of the day.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2022 4:00PM
