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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 11th, 2013–Apr 12th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Purcells.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The timing and intensity of the next frontal system (Friday/Saturday) is uncertain.Friday: Mainly cloudy, with moderate snow starting in the evening. Moderate to strong SW winds. Freezing level around 1300 m.Saturday: Overnight snowfall tapering off to a cool and unsettled flow with light to moderate snow. Strong SW winds easing. Freezing level around 1200 m.Sunday: Cold and unstable weather, with light snow. Freezing level around 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Observations were very limited during Wednesday’s storm. Neighbouring regions experienced a natural avalanche cycle at treeline and alpine elevations to size 3.

Snowpack Summary

10-40 cm recent storm snow and moderate to strong winds have created new storm slabs and wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. A surface hoar interface is now buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At lower elevations, rain-soaked snow will become strong once refrozen.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are of most concern on wind-loaded slopes, and on high-elevation northerly aspects, where a buried layer of surface hoar may create surprisingly large avalanches.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5