Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 31st, 2012 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeForecasts are calling for up to 20cm of snow overnight with strong SW winds and warm temperatures. This will keep the hazard elevated. Storm slabs will become increasingly sensitive with the new load. Cautious route finding is recommended.
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Freezing levels are expected to rise through the early evening before cooling off Sunday morning. Another 20 to 25cm of new snow could fall by morning, with a chance of rain at lower elevations. Winds are expected to be strong from the west, and temperatures will be slightly cooler on sunday. A brief sunny break is possible Sunday morning after the snow storm.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed today, but visibility was very limited.
Snowpack Summary
New snow amounts were variable across the forecast area with 10 to 15cm falling at treeline overnight. With the warm temperatures the snowpack is settling rapidly. In the alpine and wind prone areas at treeline soft slabs continue to form. These slabs are sensitive to human triggering where they lie on previously formed crusts. The February surface hoar is still in the back of our minds and is triggerable by heavy loads such as cornices.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs up to 40cm deep are present on lee features in the alpine and wind exposed areas at treeline. These slabs are sensitive to human triggering, especially where they sit on buried crusts. Convex and unsupported terrain are areas of concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The February surface hoar is buried 120-150cm at treeline. This interface has been strengthening and becoming harder to trigger, but shallow snowpack areas are still a concern. Cornices or smaller avalanches could step down to this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 1st, 2012 9:00AM