Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2013 9:41AM

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

pmarshall, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The upper ridge of high pressure rebuilds on Wednesday resulting in more sun through Thursday morning. The ridge gives way to a low pressure system later on Thursday bringing moderate precipitation and increasing winds. Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level is around 1200 m and winds are light from the southwest.Thursday: Increasing cloud with light snow developing in the evening. The freezing level rises to 1400 m during the day and winds are generally light from the south. Friday: Moderate precipitation. The freezing level is near 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose wet avalanches have occurred from steeper solar aspects up to size 2.0. Large cornice releases have also been noted.

Snowpack Summary

Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded alpine slopes. Solar aspects at all elevations and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming. 30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are likely on south facing slopes if the sun is shining.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornice falls continue to be reported from the region. Large cornices may become weak if the sun is shining.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 6

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2013 2:00PM