Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2013 10:23AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Very light snowfall with generally overcast skies / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 1800mWednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 1800mThursday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at 2100m

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches up to size 2 continue to be reported on solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountaintop on south facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!A layer of surface hoar or facets may exist up to 50cm below the surface, particularly in the north of the region. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.

Problems

Loose Wet

Solar effect is uncertain on Tuesday. If the sun is shining, there will be an increased chance of loose wet avalanches.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast warm temperatures.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and become more susceptible to failure due to warming. A cornice fall could possibly trigger a slab on slopes below.

Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2013 2:00PM