Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2018 4:14PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Avalanche danger will increase as the temperatures rise throughout the week.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature +2. Freezing level 1700 m. TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate west wind. Alpine temperature +1. Freezing level 1500 m. WEDNESDAY: Sunny. Light northwest wind. Alpine temperature +7. Freezing level 2800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region. Avalanche reports have been limited due to very few information sources this time of year. If you have been out, please post your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and when they fail there is the potential to trigger large avalanches on deeply buried weak layers. Lingering small wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers on leeward slopes below ridgetops.Weak layers buried around March 19th are roughly 40 cm below the surface (up to 100 cm in deeper snowpack areas). These weak layers include surface hoar on shaded aspects at high elevations and hard crusts on solar aspects and below treeline.Sugary facets may be found near the base of the snowpack in shallow, rocky snowpack areas on shady aspects.

Problems

Cornices

Sunshine and warming temperatures will increase the likelihood of cornice fall.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth both from above and below.Falling cornices may trigger persistent weak layers deeper in the snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the surface snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.

Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2018 2:00PM