Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
LP,
Avalanche Canada
There's still some good skiing/riding and climbing to be had for those motivated!
The recent snow and winds have formed windslabs in the alpine on isolated features. While small (ish), they can have big consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully monitor the amount of snow in lee features of the alpine.
Summary
Confidence
No Rating
Avalanche Summary
Over the last few days some small windslabs and sluffs have been triggered in the surface snow in the alpine. Lake Louise snow safety reported ski-cutting a few wind slabs in immediate lees of isolated features up to size 1, one of which was 40 cm deep and propagated 15 m.
The recent cool temperatures have temporarily slowed down the deeper avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 5 cm of new snow sits on crusts treeline and below and crusts up to ridge crest on southerly aspects. There is dry snow above 2200m on northerly aspects which is wind effected on all aspects from variable winds.
In the mid-pack, the Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) remains a concern on northerly alpine aspects near 2300m and above where no crusts have formed to date. This layer is a greater concern in thick to thin areas.
Weather Summary
Tuesday: A surface ridge of high pressure will sit over the Alberta Rockies, bringing partly cloudy skies and light SW winds. Freezing levels rise through the day to range 2400-2600 m.
Tuesday night: Light SW increasing to moderate overnight. Freezing levels mainly fall to near 1500 m,
Wed/Thurs: Scattered flurries with freezing levels at around 2300 m.
For more detailed weather click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Windslabs may be found in the immediate lee of features in the alpine. Exercise caution around these features and carefully assess start zones when climbing up underneath them or while skiing/riding down. North aspects are wind affected from recent North winds.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
