Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2013 9:22AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Be alert to conditions that change with daytime warming. Danger ratings are likely to exceed posted levels if solar radiation is strong, especially at treeline and below.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Monday: Increased cloud / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 2500mTuesday: Very light snowfall / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 1800mWednesday: Overcast skies / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 2100m

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches up to 2.0 have been reported on solar aspects. Size 2 natural cornice fall has also been observed.

Snowpack Summary

Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountaintop on south facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas.Cornices are huge!A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.

Problems

Loose Wet

Direct sun and/or daytime warming may cause loose wet avalanches, particularly on steep south and west facing terrain. Wet slabs may also be possible at low elevations where the ground cover is smooth.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast warm temperatures.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and become more susceptible to failure due to large temperature fluctuations. A cornice fall could possibly trigger a slab on slopes below.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2013 2:00PM