Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2012 11:11AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Saturday: very light snowfall / light and variable winds / freezing level at 1500m Sunday: a mix of sun and cloud / light southwesterly winds / freezing level at 1600m Monday: light snowfall / light and variable winds / freezing level at 1500m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported from this region.

Snowpack Summary

We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the light snowfall with light winds at higher elevations have created a fairly consistent covering over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include well settled powder on steep north-facing slopes, and temperature-affected snow on solar aspects up high and on all aspects at lower elevations. I suspect below the snow line, light rain has been rain is penetrating and weakening already wet snow. As we head deeper into spring, expect potentially potent, yet relatively short-lived, instabilities with each storm. Wet slabs and wet loose snow avalanches also remain a real possibility during periods of warming or direct solar radiation, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Snow stability can deteriorate very quickly with spring temperatures. Watch for loose wet avalanches on steep terrain, especially if the sun is shining. Wet slabs are also a possibility.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Large cornices exist in alpine terrain. A failure could be destructive by itself, and could also trigger an avalanche on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2012 9:00AM

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