Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2012 10:05AM

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

Avalanche Canada pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Friday: Clouds and a few cm of snow, falling as rain below about 1400 m. Freezing level around 1600 m. Light northerly winds.Saturday: cloudy with sunny breaks. Light, variable winds. Freezing level around 1500 m.Sunday: Warm, dry and cloudy. Freezing level rising to 1800-2000 m. Light winds, increasing from the SW by evening as a low pressure system approaches.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, several size 1-2 loose moist avalanches were triggered by solar warming or by people. On Sunday, a natural and human-triggered wind slab cycle occurred on north-west and west aspects following overnight winds. A size 3 natural slab is suspected to have stepped down to the March crust on Monday. It failed on a sun-exposed south-west aspect at 2300 m. There has also been some cornice fall.

Snowpack Summary

A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a concern. Recent warm weather has led to moist snow on all aspects to about 2200 m, which is expected to have formed a crust, now covered by a small amount of new snow. On north aspects above about 2400 m, dry snow may still be found. Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Warm temperatures may continue to weaken surface snow, especially at low elevations. Avoid traveling above terrain traps or under any slopes which have glide cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Persistent slab avalanches have become less likely, but remain possible, especially with a large trigger like cornice fall.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 7

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2012 9:00AM

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