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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 25th, 2014–Mar 26th, 2014
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
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
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

Regions: South Coast.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Wednesday: Expect 5-10 mm of precipitation overnight that should be 10-15 cm of snow at alpine elevations. Strong South-Southwest winds are forecast that should drop to light in the morning when the snow fall ends. Freezing level should drop down to about 600 metres overnight and rise to about 1300 metres during the day. There is a chance of broken skies and sunny periods in the afternoon.Thursday: Overcast with light Easterly winds, some light flurries, and freezing levels rising to 1400 metres.Friday: Snow starting in the morning as Southwest winds build to moderate values. Freezing levels rising to 1600 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports of avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of new snow is reported to be settling and bonding to the recent storm snow. The persistent weak layers from early March and early February continue to be a concern. The March weak layer of wind-scoured crusts, melt-freeze crusts, and/or surface hoar is reported to be down 70-80 cm. The February crust/facet/surface hoar layer is now deeply buried down 150-250 cm and may still be triggered by heavy loads like cornice falls or storm slab avalanches in motion. Long fracture propagations resulting in very large avalanches are possible with this layer. Avalanches releasing on these layers may step down to the ground during periods of strong solar radiation or warm spring rain.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast new snow and strong winds are expected to develop new storm slabs. Watch for pockets of wind transported snow at higher elevations.
Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deeply buried persistent weak layers continue to be a concern. Heavy loads like cornice falls or storm slabs in motion may trigger the PWL resulting in very large avalanches.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6