Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2013 10:21AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Very light snowfall with generally overcast skies / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 1800mWednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 1800mThursday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at 2100m

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet sluffs up to size 2.0 have been reported on sun-exposed slopes. Isolated large cornice falls have also been reported. None of these recent cornice events have pulled slabs on the slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountain top on south and west facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on south aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.

Problems

Loose Wet

The effect of solar radiation is uncertain for Tuesday. If the sun is shining, there will be an increased chance of loose wet avalanches.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Watch for wet loose or slab activity with possible warm temperatures.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices are large and weak. Daytime warming and/or direct sunshine could cause large and destructive cornices to fail.

Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>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 - 6

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2013 2:00PM