Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2012 10:39AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Cloud, with possible light precipitation. Freezing level around 2200 m, dropping to around 1700 m. Moderate southerly winds.Thursday: Light precipitation. Freezing level around 1200 m. Light southerly winds.Friday: Any remaining precipitation clearing by afternoon. Freezing level around 1200 m. Light variable winds.

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

Behemoth 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

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 11th, 2012 9:00AM