Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2014 9:08AM

The alpine rating is moderate, 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.

This bulletin was created using very limited field data. If you are out in the mountains, please send your observations to forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Unsettled conditions are expected for Friday and Saturday morning before the next organized storm system arrives on the north coast Saturday afternoon. Precipitation is expected Saturday night and Sunday but there is some uncertainty regarding amounts and timing.Friday: A mix of sun and cloud, light scattered flurries, freezing level am: 800m pm: 1300m, ridgetop wind: light SW-WSaturday: Light precipitation 2-4mm, freezing level am: 900m pm: 1400m, ridgetop wind: becoming moderate-strong S-SW with storm frontSat. Night: Precipitation 4-8mm, freezing level: 1400m, ridgetop wind: strong S-SWSunday: Precipitation 6-12mm, freezing level am: 1200m pm: 1500m, 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. Recent strong S through W winds have created wind slabs in leeward features. In some areas, there may still be a weak layer below the old storm snow, down roughly 50-80cm, but triggering of this layer has become stubborn or unlikely. Cornices are also large and potentially weak, particularly during periods of warming.Â 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.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

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

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2014 2:00PM