Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 12th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Timothy Johnson,
A change in the weather pattern is underway. Watch for rising freezing levels and strong solar radiation to increase avalanche danger.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Sunny. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: High -2 C. Ridge wind light to 10 km/h. Freezing level: 2000 metres.
Wednesday: Sunny. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -5 C, High 2 C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level: 2400 metres.
Snowpack Summary
Light winds shifting to the north, new sun crust on solar asp to TL and temperature crust all aspects BTL below 1900m. Previous new snow now settled. March 19th crust is buried 10-50cm+ on solar aspects to 2200m. Mid-pack is firm and bridging a weak lower snowpack in deep areas. Weak snowpack particularly where shallow (exposed alpine features).
Avalanche Summary
A few cornice failures in the Whistlers area were pulling deeper slabs on Monday. One noticeable large avalanche running to ground off the north face of Manx Peak. These are good reminders that large slab avalanches up to size 3 are still occurring within the bulletin region in the alpine.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain
Problems
Loose Wet
Keep an eye out for rising temperatures and solar radiation
- Finish ice climbs early in the day before the temperature rises.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices could wake up with increasing temperatures and strong solar radiation. If cornices fail they can trigger deeper instabilities. If you need to travel below cornices move quickly and reduce your exposure.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Forecasters are noting a slight increase in activity in the past few days. One could say the probability is increasing with either natural or human triggering. Shallow snowpack areas would have the increased potential for human triggering.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 13th, 2021 4:00PM
