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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 26th, 2014–Apr 27th, 2014
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: South Coast.

We are no longer issuing danger ratings for this region due to a lack of field data.Please refer to this blog post for more insight into managing the current conditions.

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The weather should remain cool and unsettled through Monday. Expect light snow falls with rain below 1000 metres as the freezing levels drop to 1000 metres overnight and rise up to about 1700 metres during the day. A ridge of high pressure is forecast to build on Monday, bringing clear skies, very warm temperatures, and rapidly rising freezing levels with no overnight freezing.

Avalanche Summary

Expect new wind slabs and thin storm slabs to develop above recent melt-freeze crusts. These slabs may be easily triggered due to the hard sliding layer of the melt-freeze crust. Daily melt-freeze cycles may be weakening cornices, and they may fall off naturally or be easily triggered. Rain at lower elevations may cause new snow to weaken rapidly and slide out of steep terrain, sometimes gathering mass in constrained terrain features.

Snowpack Summary

The spring snow-pack is comprised of many layers of melt-freeze crusts, thin new snow layers, and stiff wind slabs in the alpine. The snow-pack may be very different depending on elevation, with moist or wet snow in the valleys and near winter conditions in the alpine. The weather can change rapidly at this time of year, and this may result in different types of avalanche problems. Danger is most likely to increase if there is a substantial new snow storm with wind, or if the temperatures increase rapidly with or without sunshine. Our plan is to place a link in the headline that explains general risk scenarios associated with the forecast weather. We will not issue danger ratings for this region due to the lack of data as a result of professional operators closing for the season.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs may develop as unsettled weather continues. Wind slabs are most likely directly below ridge tops on lee aspects.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Snow may become moist or wet during periods of day time warming. Loose wet snow may release naturally in steep terrain. Avoid slopes with glide cracks.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

The added load from new snow and wind may cause cornices to fall off naturally. Cornices are more likely to release during periods of day time warming, or when there is no overnight freeze.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4