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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 12th, 2015–Apr 13th, 2015
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

This forecast was produced with very few field observations.  If you have back-country information you would like to share, here, we'd love to hear from you.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Chance of flurries today, with the freezing level near 1000m for the high today. Wind at ridge tops light from the SW. MONDAY:  cloudy with flurries, wind from the South, and the freezing level may climb to 1200m during the day.TUESDAY: A break in the weather, cloudy with some sunny periods, freezing level around 1000m, LIGHT wind from the SW.WEDNESDAY:  Cloudy with flurries, possible 5cm of snow.  Freezing level around 1200m and winds light to moderate from the South West.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of natural avalanche activity yesterday, most likely because of few observations during this storm, but one operator recently reported good results, up to size 2.5, with explosives in wind loaded terrain.

Snowpack Summary

What new snow we have received has been blown into wind slabs on exposed lee slopes. The main concerns right now are wind slabs over a variety of surfaces that include crusts, facets and surface hoar that formed in in sheltered places during the last spell of clear cool  weather.  Large ripe cornices are also of concern and will be a problem with additional loading, especially when the sun and warm temperatures come back.   The March 25th crust with facets appears to be inactive, but is worth  keeping in mind.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent storm snow has been redistributed into wind slabs on lee slopes. A small wind slab might trigger deeper instabilities
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

This layer has not been reported as active recently, but commercial operators are keeping a close eye on this layer, as it has the potential to produce large, destructive avalanches.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4