Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 10th, 2014 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
grant statham,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche conditions can change quickly this time of year. Today was cool and windy, but on Tuesday a large avalanche blew over Cascade Waterfall. Spring conditions are unique, and can be hard to forecast. Click here to read how we are handling it.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Westerly flow with strong winds forecast over the next few days. Expect a mix of sun and clouds for Friday with freezing levels reaching 1900 meters. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing (-3 to -7) range but expect lots of heat in sheltered south facing locations. No new snow in the immediate weather forecast.
Snowpack Summary
Cooler temperatures and wind should keep the surface of the snowpack cool on Friday, although low elevation south facing terrain will heating up. This time of year we are mainly concerned with shallow snowpack areas (<200cm), where avalanches may fail on deep facetted layers. Areas with snowpack depths >250 cm are generally strong and stable.
Avalanche Summary
Sunshine reported one size 2 cornice failure that landed on the slope below and did not trigger a slab - NE aspect. Otherwise no new avalanches reported or observed.
Confidence
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Although conditions are improving, it is still a good idea to avoid large, steep (>35 degree) slopes in areas where the total snowpack depth is <200cm. Use your probe and to check for snowpack depth and strength.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
April is cornice season, and on most days we observe a cornice failure. Expect these on an almost daily basis this time of year, as the mountains shed their snowpack. Try to avoid traveling under cornices, or do it early while it's still cold out.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 11th, 2014 4:00PM
