Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2012 4:00PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Scattered light precipitation. Freezing level around 2000 m. Light southerly winds.Wednesday/Thursday: Light precipitation. Freezing level around 1900 m on Wednesday and 1500 m on Thursday. Light southerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include cornice fall and loose wet avalanches. Full-depth size 2-3 glide avalanches have been releasing on rock slabs.

Snowpack Summary

Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up, especially on steep rock slabs. The snow surface has gone through a few days of melt-freeze, creating either a crust or loose, cohesionless snow, depending on the temperature. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, down 60-120 cm, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area.

Problems

Loose Wet

Wet loose or slab avalanches are most likely on steep slopes when temperatures are warm. A heavy wet slide could have serious consequences if you are exposed to a terrain trap. Also, avoid exposure to slopes which have glide cracks.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Behemoth cornices are looming. A cornice fall can act as a heavy trigger for avalanches on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2012 9:00AM