Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2014 9:52AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada slemieux, Avalanche Canada

The conditions vary greatly over of the region. The storm slab problem is expected to be more prevalent over the Southern part of the region.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Wednesday: A frontal system is forecasted to approach the coast spreading light amounts of precipitation (~15 mm in water equivalent) into Wednesday mostly over the Southern part of the region. Freezing levels around 1400 m with light South West winds. Thursday: Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected (~20 mm) with freezing levels around 1400 m and moderate winds from the South West switching from the North West.Friday: A break in precipitation and a mix of sun and cloud. Freezing levels around 1300 m and light West winds.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Light precipitation is forecasted to fall on the Southern part of the region on a snow surface that consists of a melt-freeze crust in most areas, isolated windslabs or dry powdery snow in wind sheltered areas in the alpine. In the Northern part of the region, a melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects up to 2000 m, and dryer snow can be found on high northerly aspects. The recent warmer temperatures have helped to strengthen and settled the upper snowpack, especially on solar aspects. Isolated wind slabs may still exist, although they are most likely gaining strength. Surface hoar growth has been noted on shady slopes at higher elevations, and large sagging cornices are becoming weak with daytime warming.The February crust/facet layer is now deeply buried 150-250 cm below the surface. This layer is mostly inactive at this time, but could re-awaken with extended warming, solar influence and large triggers like cornice fall.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Localized precipitation is expected to create a touchy storm slab problem and windslab lee of South West winds.
Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2014 2:00PM