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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 18th, 2012–Apr 19th, 2012
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: South Coast.

We are slowly transitioning out of issuing Danger ratings for this region. Professional operators are finished for the season, and observations are very limited. Avalanche problems are listed for spring conditions.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Little to no precipitation throughout the day. Moderate precipitation starting in the afternoon combined with moderate to strong southerly winds. Freezing level 1200m during the day rising to 1800m in the evening. FRIDAY: Light to locally moderate precipitation through the early part of the day. Freezing levels 1200m. SATURDAY: Generally dry and warm conditions. Freezing levels rising to 2000m.

Avalanche Summary

Spring conditions exist in the region. Exposure to the sun, warm temperatures, and periods of rain are the most likely factors to influence the avalanche danger. If the temperatures go below freezing overnight, strong crusts should develop that are likely to hold the snowpack together. If the sun shines for a few hours, the crusts may break down quickly and moist surface snow avalanches may start running naturally. Continued warming from more sun, rain, or no overnight freeze, may cause surface avalanches to step down and trigger deeper wet slab avalanches. Prolonged warming may cause very deep releases on weak layers that were deposited early in the season, or on depth hoar that developed during the winter. It is important to monitor the temperature and the freezing levels as they may change rapidly from day to day.

Snowpack Summary

As we transition into spring the surface layers have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied. If it cools off and snows, new snow and windslabs may not bond well to the hard spring crusts.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may develop with incoming snow and wind. Be alert for these behind ridges and terrain breaks.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanches are most likely on steep slopes when temperatures are warm, e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations. Avoid exposure to slopes which are sporting glide cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices are looming. A cornice fall can act as a heavy trigger for avalanches on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5