Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2013 9:26AM

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

mpeter, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

Danger could INCREASE TO CONSIDERABLE with intense radiation on south and west aspects, especially at treeline and below. Be aware of how the warm weather is changing the snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Monday: One more warm day! Expect clear, sunny skies, light winds and alpine temperatures to reach 4 with freezing levels at 2900.Tuesday/Wednesday: The ridge should begin to break down. Light/thin clouds are possible with temperatures slowly falling to more seasonal values. Expect light westerly winds. There is a slight chance of isolated flurries developing late on Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5 seem to be the consistent theme these days. Isolated glide slabs have also been reported, running in low alpine, south facing terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Large cornices loom over many slopes. The upper 10 cm of surface snow has become moist up to 2300 m, and melt-freeze conditions exist. Surface facetting and surface hoar (up to 12 mm) are prevalent on Northerly aspects.The surface snow overlies an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The bonds with the crust have gained strength in most places, and some test results are showing resistant planar fracture characteristics. Snowpack variability exists; it is important to dig down and test weak layers before diving into your line.

Problems

Loose Wet

Solar aspects are likely to see loose wet avalanches when the sun comes out and temperatures start to warm.

Watch for wet slab activity with forecast warm temperatures.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

With solar radiation and warm daytime temperatures, cornices may become unstable. There is a chance the weight of a cornice dropping onto the slope below could trigger an avalanche on the Mid-March crust.

Stay well back from cornices.>Be wary traveling on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2013 2:00PM