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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 13th, 2019–Apr 14th, 2019
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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: South Coast Inland.

Forecast snow and wind Saturday night is expected to create small wind slabs reactive to human triggers; especially in lee features below ridgetops.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries; 3-10 cm. / Moderate to strong, southwesterly winds / Alpine low -8 C / Freezing level 900 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 2-5 cm. / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high -2 C / Freezing level 1400 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 0 C / Freezing level 1600 m.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 2 C / Freezing level 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous small (size 1) skier triggered loose wet avalanches were reported in the Duffey Lake area on Friday. Small wind slabs are expected to be the primary concern on Sunday with the forecast snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 10-20 cm. of recent storm snow (amounts tapering with elevation) is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2000 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southerly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions HERE.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Light amounts of new snow and moderate southwesterly winds may form fresh small wind slabs reactive to human triggers. Use caution around lee terrain features and steep, convex slopes.
Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.Avoid wind loaded slopes below ridgetops.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5