Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2017 4:02PM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Expect the avalanche danger to increase if the sun comes out and the temperature rises through the day.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Overnight: Flurries combined with moderate southeast winds and freezing down to valley bottoms. Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud with convective flurries and moderate southwest winds. Daytime freezing up to 900 metres. Wednesday: 3-5 cm of new snow with moderate southerly winds and daytime freezing up to 1400 metres. Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud with light winds and daytime freezing up to 1700 metres.

Avalanche Summary

A MIN report from the Babines on Saturday details a size 1 windslab skier accidentally triggered avalanche on a southwest aspect at 2050 metres. You can read the full MIN report here. Exposure to large overhanging cornices remains a significant concern. If the sun comes out expect to see cornices weaken and loose snow avalanches run from steep sun exposed slopes during the warmest parts of the day.

Snowpack Summary

New snow falling last week has been redistributed by south and east wind at upper elevations. This is likely sitting on a hard wind crust in exposed alpine areas and sun crust on aspects facing the sun. Lower elevations are experiencing a melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely moist or wet throughout its entire thickness. A deep persistent weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas. A report from the Babines on Saturday detailed 10-15 cm of recent snow above a supportive crust at treeline. You can read the full MIN report here.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices are large and fragile, expect then to fall off naturally during periods of strong solar radiation and during the warmest part of the day.

Even small cornice falls may trigger larger avalanches on slopes belowCornices become weak with daytime heating.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 - 3

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are more likely during periods of strong solar radiation and daytime warming. Snow at lower elevations may become isothermal and release from steep terrain on all aspects.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2017 2:00PM