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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 12th, 2019–Apr 13th, 2019
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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: North Columbia.

Snowfall amounts and timing of the approaching snowstorm are uncertain. As storm totals approach 10 cm strong southwest winds will likely create shallow wind slabs.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear with cloudy periods and flurries / moderate west wind / alpine low -6 C / freezing level at valley bottomSATURDAY: Cloudy / 5-10 cm of snow accumulation / strong southwest wind / alpine high -5 C / freezing level 1600 mSUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / 5-10 cm of snow accumulation / moderate west wind / alpine high -7 C / freezing level 1500 mMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high -7 C / freezing level 1600 m

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, a few human triggered loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed on steep slopes in the afternoon. On Wednesday the avalanche activity decreased. A few natural and human triggered wind/storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on west and north aspects at treeline and in the alpine.On Tuesday, several natural and human triggered storm/wind slab avalanches 20-40 cm deep and up to size 2.5 were observed on north and east aspects. Two of these were remotely triggered, one by humans and another one by a helicopter. A layer of small surface hoar below the most recent snow may have been the weak layer. Several natural wet slab and loose wet avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported from south and west aspects (see a MIN report from Glacier National Park).

Snowpack Summary

The new snow likely falls on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow has remained dry. Last weeks unsettled weather produced 30-50 cm of snow which is slowly bonding on northern aspects where it might sit on surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.Snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong southwest winds will transport the new snow and create shallow wind slabs during the day. Older wind slabs can be found in immediate lee features in the alpine and might still be sensitive to human triggers.
Wind slabs that are sitting on surface hoar may remain reactive to human triggers.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2