Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2013 9:25AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Wind Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Clear skies / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at 900m Saturday: Moderate snowfall arriving late in the day / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mSunday: Clearing skies / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 800m

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches have been reported from the region occurring on step solar aspects in response to daytime warming. Cornice falls to size 3 have also been reported from various parts of the region. Watch for ongoing solar-induced avalanche activity/ cornice fall with continued sun on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Outflow winds (from the north and east) have created hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain, although over the past few days these have likely gained considerable strength. In sheltered areas the snow surface consists of facets or surface hoar. A sun crust or moist snow exists on south facing slopes, depending on the time of day.Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack have resurfaced as a concern now that spring is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm sun is weakening surface snow, particularly on steep south-facing slopes. Loose wet avalanches can entrain a surprising amount of mass as they travel.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices continue to fail naturally with daytime warming and sunshine.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Wind Slabs

Recent outflow winds produced thin wind slabs behind terrain breaks, primarily on southwest to northwest aspects.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2013 2:00PM