Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2014 9:33AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Avalanche danger can rise very quickly with warming temperatures and/or brief periods of sun. Be aware of changing conditions and overhead hazards.For more insight into spring danger ratings, check out our Blog Post.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Friday: Flurries (total accumulation: 5-10cm) / Light westerly winds / Freezing level 1800mSaturday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / Light southwesterly winds / Freezing level 1700m.Sunday: Flurries (total accumulation: 5-10cm) / Light westerly winds / Freezing level 2000m

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reports of recent new avalanches

Snowpack Summary

A recently buried, supportive crust can be found near the surface of the snowpack on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north-facing terrain. A second melt-freeze crust buried at the beginning of April can be found down 40-55cm. This layer has been variably reactive in snowpack tests.Three persistent weak layers exist in the highly variable snowpack of the South Columbia region: The mid-March sun crust/surface hoar layer down 50-80cm and the early-March crust/facet/surface hoar layer down around 80-120cm seem to be inactive. The mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar combo is typically down 150 - 200cm. Human triggered avalanches on this layer are unlikely. Larger triggers such as cornice fall, a smaller avalanche in motion or prolonged warming could wake this layer up, resulting in very large and destructive avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs immediately lee of ridge crest may be sensitive to human triggering.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Expect to see an increase in avalanche activity with forecast rain at lower elevations or on solar aspects if the sun comes out for extended periods of time.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2014 2:00PM