Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2016 8:00AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Wind Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Spring Conditions. Looks like a typical spring day with a mix of conditions. The sun can be very strong at this time of year; conditions may change rapidly if the sun comes out.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy overnight with moderate southwest winds, light precipitation, and freezing levels down to 1000 metres. Mix of sun and cloud on Friday with scattered convective flurries and daytime freezing levels at 2200 metres. A strong ridge develops on Saturday bringing clear skies, light southerly winds and freezing levels up to at least 2500 metres. The ridge gets stronger on Sunday, temperatures and freezing levels sky-rocket to at least 3000 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Most commercial operations have closed for the season, and data is becoming sparse.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is currently going through a typical spring melt-freeze cycle on all aspects and at all elevations, except possibly high true-north slopes which could be holding onto cold snow. The strength (thickness) of the surface crust and how quickly it breaks down during the day are important factors to focus on. Forecast wind and snow may bring back a winter feel above treeline for a day or two. Watch for new wind slabs that may not bond to hard old surface crusts. If the sun comes out, conditions may change rapidly and crusts may break down when exposed to strong solar radiation.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanche activity is expected to increase with exposure to strong solar radiation and climbing freezing levels.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

If the sun comes out, it won’t take long for solar aspects to heat up and result in natural cornice falls.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Recent wind slabs may continue to be human triggered on sheltered north aspects in the high alpine. If the sun comes out, wind slabs may release naturally where they are not well bonded to the old crust.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2016 2:00PM