Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 2nd, 2024–Apr 3rd, 2024

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Columbia, South Columbia, Clearwater, Esplanade, Jordan, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Shuswap, Badshot-Battle, Central Selkirk, Goat, Gold, North Okanagan, Whatshan.

Consider the consequences of any fall in steep terrain, and continue to use safe travel habits.

Rider triggered avalanches are still possible.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, there were several small to large (up to size 2) rider triggered and natural avalanches reported, generally wind slabs in north or northeast facing high alpine terrain.

On Saturday, north of Revelstoke there was a large (size 3) persistent slab avalanche triggered by a helicopter landing at 2300 m on a northeast aspect.

Snowpack Summary

As the freezing level drops, expect a frozen crust to form on the surface, possibly as high as 2500 m. 5-15 cm of new snow may be on the surface at high elevations in the north end of the forecast area.

In general, 20 to 40 cm of settling snow snow sits on surface hoar crystals that were buried in late March. Under that is a hard melt freeze crust on all aspects and elevations other than north facing alpine.

Weak faceted grains above a hard crust that formed in early February are buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. This layer is generally getting stronger, and in most places it is shielded by crusts above, but it is still occasionally producing large avalanches.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy. Light rainfall turning to snow as the freezing level drops. 5-15 cm possible at high elevations in the north end of the forecast area. Light to moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to around 1200 m. Treeline low around -3 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, possibly sunnier in the south end of the forecast area. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -5 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 0-3 cm of snow expected above 1000 m. Light to moderate northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C.

Friday

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

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.