Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Wind Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

A series of frontal disturbances will affect the region over the next few days. The timing and intensity of these systems is uncertain. Freezing levels are also uncertain.Monday: Light to moderate precipitation. Moderate southerly winds. Freezing level around 1400 m. Tuesday: Cloud and light precipitation. Light winds. Freezing level around 1000 m. Wednesday: Light to moderate precipitation is possible, with moderate SW winds.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural glide avalanches were reported this week, in the size 2-3.5 range. Wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were also observed in response to warming from rainfall and sunshine.

Snowpack Summary

Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Large cornices and ice cliffs pose a threat from above. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations) and improve when the surface is frozen. Lately, a lack of consistent overnight freezing has left the snowpack weak and unconsolidated, although some re-freezing has been reported in some areas.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are most likely during periods of warming from rainfall or sunshine. These can push you around, entrain mass and become surprisingly large.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 6

Wet Slabs

Warm temperatures or rain may continue to weaken the snowpack, leading to full-depth releases. Avoid traveling on or underneath any slopes which sport glide cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 7

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs may develop with forecast snow and wind. Be alert for these behind ridges and terrain breaks.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 6

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2012 9:00AM