Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2015 9:02AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

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.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2015 2:00PM