Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2013 10:32AM

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

Avalanche Canada pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Summary

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.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2013 2:00PM