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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 1st, 2024–Apr 4th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Ghost.

The dry range isnt dry this year! Think about overhead terrain and solar input while climbing. Wind slabs may be encountered along ridgelines and along the routes you are choosing so make an evaluation before moving into the terrain. Consider avalanche gear on routes affected by avalanche terrain. Post conditions and what you are seeing to the MIN!

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

Field observations from the Ghost are limited so please post what you are seeing on the MIN

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfalls have added up to 20cm of new snow in the past several days. Strong northerly winds have redistributed much of this snow, and wind slabs are found at upper elevations especially in gully features and near ridge crests. This new snow may also generate some rockfall when the sun comes out. In general, the Ghost region this year has more snow than normal and avalanches should be at the forefront of climbers minds in this region. Steep thin rocky areas will warm up fast under the influence of solar radiation and can trigger deep avalanches

Weather Summary

Tuesday will be warm with a mix of sun and cloud. Beginning on Wednesday another wave of precip is expected, starting with rain Wednesday and 10-15cm of snow on Thursday.

Be aware that when the sun does come out it packs a punch at this time of year and snow stability will quickly deteriorate on the solar aspects. Thin cloud can also lead to a "Greenhouse Effect" that can make the upper snowpack moist and unstable. Lots going on in Spring!

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
  • Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.