Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2014 9:40AM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A warm front will bring precipitation to the north coast on Wednesday night and Thursday. Unsettled conditions are expected for Friday before the next system reaches the coast on Saturday.Wednesday Night: Precipitation: 5-10mm, freezing level: 1200m, ridgetop wind: light-moderate S-SWThursday: Precipitation 5-10mm, freezing level: 1400m, ridgetop wind: moderate S-SWThursday Night: Precipitation 3-5mm, freezing level: 900m, ridgetop wind: moderate SWFriday: A mix of sun and cloud, light scattered flurries possible, freezing level: 1100m, ridgetop wind: light SWSaturday: Precipitation 5-10mm, freezing level: 1300m, ridgetop wind: moderate-strong S-SW

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

New snow sits on a melt-freeze crust, old wind slabs leeward features, or dry snow in sheltered north facing terrain at higher elevations. Cornices are also large and potentially weak.The early February persistent weak layer is typically down 1.5 to 2m. Triggering of this layer has become unlikely but may still be possible with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or smaller avalanches stepping-down.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snowfall may be enough to form storm slabs in some areas. Wind slabs are expected to form from moderate S-SW winds. It may still be possible to trigger old slabs from the last storm in some areas.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

A deeply buried persistent weak layer still has the potential to produce very large avalanches and could be triggered by heavy triggers such as cornice falls or smaller avalanches stepping-down.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried facets and surface hoar.>Conditions have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2014 2:00PM