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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 11th, 2015–Apr 12th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

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

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.

Avalanche Problems

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

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