Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2014 10:58AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

This bulletin has been produced using very limited field data. If you've been out in the mountains we'd love to hear about what you've seen. Observations can be sent to forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light snowfall / Light to moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mWednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1250mThursday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1250m

Avalanche Summary

At the time of publishing no new avalanches were reported, although I suspect natural loose wet and slab activity may have occurred with warm temperatures over the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

North facing alpine and upper treeline terrain is still likely seeing wintery conditions. Weather data suggests melt-freeze conditions exist in most other areas. Recent strong SW winds have built thick hard wind slabs on leeward aspects which overlie a crust, and recent test results indicate touchy conditions still exist. Cornices are also large and potentially weak.The early February crust/facet layer is down 150 - 200 cm. This destructive layer should become less likely to trigger with forecast cooling.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent field reports indicate that hard wind slabs found in the lee of upper elevation terrain breaks continue to be reactive and could propagate over wide distances. Cornices are also large and potentially weak.

Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep and destructive persistent slab avalanches will become less likely with the forecast cooling trend. Possible triggers include cornice fall, warming and intense solar radiation.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried facets and surface hoar.>Conditions have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2014 2:00PM