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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 5th, 2013–Apr 6th, 2013
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
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A weak frontal system is forecast to move through on Friday night and into Saturday. Conditions should begin to dry out and clear on Sunday and Monday as a ridge of high pressure forms.Saturday: Cloudy with light snow – 5-10 cm. The freezing level is around 1000 m. Winds are moderate from the south-southeast. Sunday: Sunny breaks. The freezing level rises to 1400m during the day and winds are light from the north. Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level is steady around 1400-1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Solar induced avalanche activity tapered off over the past couple days as temperatures cooled slightly. Previous activity included loose wet sluffs up to size 2 on steep sun-exposed slopes. Cornices and glide cracks continue to fail with some regularity.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. 30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin new wind slabs could form in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded features. Triggering may be possible in steep terrain.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 6