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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 23rd, 2015–Mar 24th, 2015
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Watch for fresh wind slabs in the alpine.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday:  Trace amount of snow.  Freezing level rising to around 1300m.  Winds light S/SW at all elevations.Wednesday:  5 to 30cm of new snow.  Strong S winds at treeline, Strong to extreme SW winds at ridgetop.  Freezing level starting at 500m, rising to 1700m in the afternoon.Thursday:  Scattered flurries.  Moderate SW winds at treeline, strong SW winds at ridgetop.  Freezing level holding at 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a few isolated size 1 wind slabs were skier triggered in the north of the region.  On Sunday cornice fall to size 2 was observed.

Snowpack Summary

In high elevation lee terrain you may find smaller soft wind slabs which formed in response to recent southwest winds and light snowfall. These wind slabs overlie a variety of surfaces which include older wind slabs or melt-freeze crusts. On sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations, the snowpack is likely in a spring melt-freeze cycle.Up to a meter below the surface you may find a hard crust which co-exists with facets. This condition seems more specific to the north of the region. Although reports suggest this layer has gained significant strength, I'd be wary of the possibility of isolated large avalanches on steep, unsupported slopes, especially if temperatures increase, or if solar radiation is strong. The mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found, particularly on shallow alpine slopes in the north of the region. Cornices are large and potentially fragile.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs may exist in the alpine. Watch for triggering in gullies and in the lee of ridge crests in upper elevation terrain.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2