Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 23rd, 2014–Apr 24th, 2014

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

Alpine

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold

Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Due to a lack of field observations, we are starting to transition to bulletins without Danger Ratings. Check out this Blog Post for more information on spring ratings.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Thursday: Overnight freezing levels dropping down to 1000 metres and then rising up to 1500 metres during the day. Periods of broken skies overnight, and then mostly cloudy with light precipitation during the day. Winds light to moderate from the Southeast.Friday: Cloudy with light precipitation and not much overnight freezing. Winds light from the Southeast. Saturday: Winds becoming strong Southerly. Mostly cloudy with moderate precipitation falling as snow above 1000 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.Â We are no longer receiving professional daily reports for the region so public observations are really appreciated right now. If you are out in the mountains, send your observations to [email protected]

Snowpack Summary

Highly variable spring conditions are expected in the region. At lower below-treeline elevations the snowpack is typically wet and isothermal. It has not been refreezing overnight and is melting quickly. Between roughly 1000 and 1500m, the snowpack is undergoing daily melt-freeze cycles. The same conditions can be expected on sun-exposed slopes all the way to mountain-top. On higher elevation north-facing slopes, dry snow can be found. Recent strong S through W winds have scoured windward slopes and created wind slabs in leeward slopes. The early February crust/facet layer is typically down 1.5m or more. A smaller avalanche or a cornice fall may still have the potential to step down to this layer causing very large, destructive avalanches, especially during warm sunny periods.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent wind slabs have become more stubborn to trigger, but are expected to persist for a few more days.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Snow may become moist or wet at lower elevations due to day time warming and exposure to solar radiation.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deeply buried persistent weak layers continue to be a concern for isolated hard to predict avalanches. Avalanches releasing on these deep layers may be more likely during periods of strong solar radiation, or when there is no overnight freeze.

Conditions have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried facets and surface hoar.>Exercise caution on steep, unsupported slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 5