Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2014 9:05AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Â Light to locally moderate precipitation. Winds moderate west. Freezing level 1800m.Friday: Overcast with flurries. Moderate northwest winds. Freezing level 1500m.Saturday: Â Mix of sun and cloud. Light west wind. Freezing level 2200m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports are limited to solar triggered avalanches to size 2 from south facing terrain in the alpine and tree-line.

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow and/or a crust exist on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north-facing terrain. A melt-freeze crust buried at the beginning of April can be found 40-50cm below the snow surface. This layer has been variably reactive in snowpack tests. Three persistent weak layers exist in the highly variable snowpack of the South Columbia region:-The mid-March sun crust/surface hoar layer down 50-80cm and the early-March crust/facet/surface hoar layer down around 80-120cm seem to be inactive.-The mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar combo is typically down 150 - 200cm. Direct triggering of this layer has become unlikely, however, cornice fall, a smaller avalanche in motion or prolonged warming could wake this layer up, which would result in very large and destructive avalanches.

Problems

Loose Wet

Expect to see an increase in avalanche activity with forecast rain at lower elevations or on solar aspects if the sun comes out for extended periods of time.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs immediately lee of ridge crest may still be sensitive to human triggering.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2014 2:00PM