Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 10th, 2017–Apr 11th, 2017

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

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

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

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Cornices remain the primary concern. Solar radiation is a common cornice trigger. Limit your exposure when it's cloudy and completely avoid cornices when it's sunny.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Unsettled weather and cool temperatures continue throughout the forecast period.TUESDAY: Cloudy, sunny breaks and scattered flurries (5-10cm possible). Light southeast ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1400 m.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries (0-5cm). Strong easterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1500 m.THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries (2-5cm). Moderate easterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new reported.

Snowpack Summary

Small amounts of new snow (3-5cm) fell in the past three days. Winds were light to moderate (south through northeast) and may have created small wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds last week.Elevations below roughly 1300 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely isothermal. The February crust and facet layer is 70-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and a deep persistent faceted weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Solar radiation is a common cornice trigger. Limit your exposure when it's cloudy and completely avoid cornices when it's sunny.

Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Small amounts of new snow over old firm layers may produce small loose wet avalanches if the sun comes out in full force.

Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2