Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2012 10:49AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Monday: a mix of sun and cloud - light southerly winds - freezing level at 1100m Tuesday: trace amounts of snowfall - light southeast winds - freezing level at 1100m Wednesday: light snowfall - light southeast winds - freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

A few radiation induced moist sluffs were observed on steep, rocky terrain. No other avalanches were reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate southerly winds have shifted recent storm snow into wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain; however, reports indicate that the slab is settling well in some areas with no significant shears. Sun exposed slopes are now into a melt freeze cycle with southerly slopes becoming moist under sunny skies. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface, although I feel that triggering may be possible in steep, isolated terrain in some parts of the region. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.

Problems

Cornices

Large cornices exist in alpine terrain. A failure could be destructive by itself, and could also trigger an avalanche on the slope below. Cornices are most likely to destabilize under strong solar radiation.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 6

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are likely in steep south-facing terrain if the sun is shining.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2012 9:00AM