Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

We have limited observations from this area. Please send us yours! forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A mix and of cloud, sun and light precipitation. Freezing level around 1800 m. Light southerly winds.Friday: Cloud or light precipitation, dissipating. Light winds. Freezing level around 1500 m. Saturday: Clearing skies. Light south-westerly winds. Freezing level rising to around 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include cornice fall and loose wet avalanches. Full-depth size 2-3 glide avalanches have been releasing on rock slabs.

Snowpack Summary

Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up, especially on steep rock slabs. The snow surface has gone through a few days of melt-freeze, creating either a crust or loose, cohesionless snow, depending on the temperature. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, down 60-120 cm, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Frighteningly 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

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Wet loose or slab avalanches are most likely on steep slopes when temperatures are warm. A heavy wet slide could have serious consequences if you are exposed to a terrain trap. Also, avoid exposure to slopes which have glide cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2012 9:00AM