Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 19th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Assess for slab development before committing to steep terrain features. Watch for wet avalanche activity if the skies clear.
Summary
Confidence
High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 10 to 20 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -8 C.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 1800 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -3 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 1800 m.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 5 cm, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -1 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
We did not receive any reports of avalanche observations in the past few days.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of snow accumulated on Tuesday with strong southwest wind. New wind slabs likely formed in lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Storm slabs may have formed in areas sheltered from the wind. The slabs may take a bit of time to bond to underlying surfaces, such as a hard melt-freeze crust. A moist, consolidated snowpack exists at low elevations below treeline. 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
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs likely formed from the recent 10 to 20 cm of snow and strong southwest wind. Use caution entering lee terrain features below ridges. The snow may have also formed storm slabs in areas sheltered from the wind. Resulting slabs could slide easily, particularly where they rest on a hard melt-freeze crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches may occur during periods of intense solar input. The primary concern is moistening of the new snow at higher elevations.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 20th, 2022 4:00PM
