Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2013 3:00PM

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.

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: The Low pressure system will continue to spread light precipitation to the Interior Ranges. An upper ridge of High pressure should build into the interior by late morning, bringing gradually drier and clearing conditions. There is a chance of some moderate precipitation combined with cooler air wrapping around from the East.Tuesday: The upper ridge is expected to cause dry conditions with broken skies or scattered cloud.Wednesday: A cold front is forecast to move across the Southern Interior bringing cooler temperatures and moderate precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

A natural size 2.5 wet slab out of the alpine occurred sometime in the last 24 hours on a south facing shoulder of Mt Hosmer.? A size 2.5 glide release, 50 meters wide and to ground was reported in the nearby Lizard Range on a steep east facing slope on Wednesday.Earlier in the week, numerous wet slab avalanches and glide crack releases to size 3 were observed? from South to West aspects.

Snowpack Summary

The classic melt freeze cycle has come to an end with cloud and warm temps preventing a good refreeze in most of the forecast region. Along with the solar aspects, previously dry north facing zones in the alpine are also now moist.? A buried rain crust can be found down 25-50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m.?? Larger triggers such as a loose wet slide, or cornice fall may cause this layer to fail.Snow may be isothermal on south facing aspects in the alpine/treeline and on all aspects below treeline.?

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Loose wet slides may get bigger if they dig into isothermal snow
Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast rain and/or warm temperatures.>Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent snow and gusty winds may have formed windslabs in lee features in the alpine
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2013 2:00PM