Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 8th, 2012–Apr 9th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Monday: Some clouds developing. Freezing level around 1500 m. Light southerly winds. Tuesday: Light precipitation. Freezing level around 1500 m.Wednesday: Light to moderate precipitation. Freezing level rising to around 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 in response to direct sun exposure. Cornices have also been failing over the past few days, some of which triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 2 on the slope below. Large glide avalanche activity also continued. On Saturday, a size 3 glide release removed trees and left a 4-5 m deposit near Shames. Glide slabs can be unpredictable. Any slopes sporting glide cracks are best avoided.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface consists of a sun crust on solar aspects and at low elevations (becoming moist during the day), surface hoar on shady slopes up into the alpine, and dry settling or faceting snow on high north aspects. Pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed leeward alpine terrain. Sheltered shady slopes may be harboring buried surface hoar and/or preserved old storm snow from last week, which isn't as stable. Daytime warming or sun-exposure may cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken. Glide cracks have opened up, especially on steep rocky terrain features.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are most likely on steep slopes that are being heated by sun or warm temperatures. They can push you around, entrain mass and become dangerously large.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Cornices

Large and weak cornices are a hazard in themselves and can also act as a heavy trigger for very large avalanches on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Wet Slabs

Glide slabs can be unpredictable. Avoid traveling on or underneath any slopes with glide cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 7