Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2015 8:33AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Use caution when traveling near wind loaded slopes.  This forecast is produced with few observations. If you have field information you'd like to share here please let us know

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Flurries today, with the freezing level near 1000m for the high today. Wind at ridge tops will remain strong from the SW. SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries, freezing levels between 500 and 1000m, winds moderate to strong from the South WestMONDAY: Much the same as the previous two days,  cloudy with flurries, wind from the South, and the freezing level may climb to 1500m during the day.TUESDAY: A break in the weather, cloudy with some sunny periods, light flurries, freezing level around 1000m, wind from the SW.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of natural avalanche activity yesterday, most likely because of few observations during this storm, but one operator has reported good results, up to size 2.5, with explosives in wind loaded terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong winds are scouring exposed alpine slopes and loading lee features. In some parts of the region, surface hoar and facetting occurred on protected, high, north facing alpine and treeline slopes during the last spell of clear weather.  These facets may now be getting buried with the new snow and wind loading.  A crust with surface hoar buried on March 25th is still considered a potential problem in parts of the forecast region but has only been reactive recently in the north part of the region. This may come back to life with the new snow and wind loading. Cornices are now large and may collapse with increased load from the storm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
The new wind slabs may be lying on facets and/or surface hoar from the last period of clear weather.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
This persistent slab over the March 25th layer will most likely soon disappear as a problem with warm spring temperatures, but for now is something to be aware of.
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2015 2:00PM