Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 5th, 2013 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWait until freezing levels drop before going into bigger terrain. SH
Summary
Weather Forecast
Little to no freeze expected below 1800-1900m. Up to 10cm of new snow expected in the alpine Saturday afternoon/night. Expect some rain West of the divide Saturday. We should see decreasing freezing levels Sunday and Monday mornings to valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
5-15 cm of new, dense snow sits over sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Rain showers, overcast skies, and the insulating aspect of the new snow brought no overnight recovery below 2000m Friday. We can expect the same on Saturday.
Avalanche Summary
Sunshine Village was reporting very touchy storm slabs in most alpine areas 15-30cm thick. One size 3 natural on Mount Stephen occurred within the last 24 hours on a North aspect. Due to poor visibility it is unknown how far up the peak it started from. Click here for a photo.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
With little overnight freeze at lower elevations, watch for loose wet avalanches below treeline on all aspects, and solar aspects at treeline and above.
- Travel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wet Slabs
This will be more prevalent at lower elevations due to lack of freeze, but if the sun pops out Saturday, there is the potential for deeper releases as the day warms up. Cornices will act as an ideal trigger.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Touchy storm slabs have been reported Friday. Check for the bond of any new slabs to the surfaces below. This condition should improve over the new couple of days as freezing levels drop.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 6th, 2013 4:00PM