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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 31st, 2015–Apr 1st, 2015
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
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

Regions: Northwest Inland.

This bulletin was produced using very limited field data. If you have observations to share, please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network. Click here for more info.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Generally unsettled conditions are expected for the forecast period.  Wednesday: Trace amounts of new snow / Moderate westerly winds / Freezing level at 1000m Thursday: Up to 10cm of new snow accumulating between  Thursday afternoon and early Friday morning / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000m  Friday: 2-5cm of snow / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000m

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs up to size 2.5 were observed over the weekend in the southwest corner of the region. They formed in response to new snow and wind. Touchy wind slabs to size 1.5 were still remotely triggered on Monday. Patterns in avalanche activity vary greatly across the region due to varying recent snowfall amounts and underlying snowpack structure.

Snowpack Summary

The few reports we've received indicate conditions are highly variable across the region. Approximately 15-30 cm of dense storm snow overlies a variety of crusty old surfaces. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack may include hard crusts and/or facet crystals, although not much is known about the reactivity or spatial distribution of these layers. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Unpredictable, full-depth glide avalanches are also a concern on low elevation slopes with smooth ground cover (grassy slopes, rock slabs, etc.) where large cracks have formed from the snowpack slipping on the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive for a few days. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridge crests and terrain breaks.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by windloading may reach run out zones.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4