Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2012 4:00PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light precipitation. Freezing level around 1600 m. Light southerly winds.Wednesday/Thursday: Light precipitation. Freezing level around 1900 m on Wednesday and 1500 m on Thursday. Light southerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 in response to warming and sunshine. Large glide avalanches also continued. On Saturday, a size 3 glide release removed trees and left a 4-5 m deep deposit near Shames.

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Surface hoar exists on shady slopes up into the alpine. Dry settling or faceting snow can be found on high north aspects. Pockets of wind slab formed with recent easterly outflow winds. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features.

Problems

Wet Slabs

Warm temperatures may continue to weaken surface snow. Wet slabs and loose wet avalanches can push you around, entrain mass and become surprisingly large. Also, avoid traveling on or underneath any slopes which sport glide cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 7

Cornices

Large and weak cornices are a hazard in themselves and can also act as a heavy trigger for very large avalanches on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2012 9:00AM