Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2013 9:03AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Light snowfall Saturday night easing to very light by Sunday / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at 500mMonday: Broken cloud / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at 600mTuesday: Trace amounts of new snow / Light northeast winds / Freezing level at 300m

Avalanche Summary

In recent days cornice falls to size 3 have been reported from various parts of the region, which likely occurred in response to strong daily temperature fluctuations. With forecast cooling, wind, and snowfall on Saturday, I would expect a shift to new wind slab instabilities.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface consists of heavily wind-affected snow in exposed areas, facets or surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust at lower elevations or on previously sun-exposed slopes. Watch out for cornices, as they are large and potentially fragile. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and intensifying winds late Saturday are likely to create new windslabs in exposed terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2013 3:00PM