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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 12th, 2015–Apr 13th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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 Coastal.

This forecast has been prepared with very few field observations. If you have observations to share here, we`d love to hear from you.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Cool unsettled spring time weather will bring small amounts of precipitation between Pacific weather systems for the next few daysMONDAY:  5 to 10 cm of snow. Precipitation will be heavier towards the coast, but the inland portion of the coast will also see snow at higher elevations. Winds from the south, moderate to strong with the freezing level rising over 1000m.TUESDAY: A brief break in the weather, cloudy with sunny periods, some flurries with freezing levels around 500m. Winds moderate to strong from the south.WEDNESDAY:  A Pacific frontal system arrives on the coast bringing  up to 20cm of snow to the higher elevations. Freezing level around 800m with moderate to strong winds from the south

Avalanche Summary

No reports of natural or skier / rider triggered avalanche in the past few days, probably because of the storm cycle and lack of visibility for field observations.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is being redistributed by strong south west winds into wind slabs on lee slopes. Reports of activity on the March 25th surface hoar / crust layer have diminished, but is still worth remembering. This interface was more reactive recently in the northern part of the region, but had been reported throughout the northwest coastal area and may reappear as a problem given the right conditions.  For the most part, the chief concern  right now is wind slabs over a variety of recent surfaces, crusts, facets and surface hoar that formed in in sheltered places during the last spell of clear cold weather.  Large ripe cornices are also of concern with additional loading, especially when the sun and warm temperatures come back.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds during this storm cycle have built wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and at treeline. These wind loaded pockets may be sitting on facets, surface hoar or crusts and could be very touchy.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Additional loading on this layer may bring it back to life. Use caution in wind loaded areas and other new deposition zones.
Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4