Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2014 9:30AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Avalanche danger can rise very quickly with warming and solar radiation. Be aware of changing conditions and overhead hazards.For more insight into spring danger ratings, check out our latest Blog Post.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Winds light west. Freezing level 1800m.Thursday: Light rain or snowfall possible through the day. Winds moderate southwest. Freezing level 2100m.Friday: Cloudy with sunny periods and scattered flurries. Light west winds. Freezing level 2000m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports are limited to solar triggered avalanches to size 2 from south facing terrain in the alpine and tree-line. In addition a few isolated wind slab avalanches to size 1.5 on northeast facing terrain in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Mainly sunny weather and the freezing level reaching up to 2300m over the weekend has created moist snow and/or a crust on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north-facing terrain. A melt-freeze crust buried at the beginning of April can be found 40-50cm below the snow surface. This layer has been variably reactive in snowpack tests. Three persistent weak layers exist in the highly variable snowpack of the South Columbia region:-The mid-March sun crust/surface hoar layer down 50-80cm seams to have gone dormant for the time being.-The early-March crust/facet/surface hoar layer down around 80-120cm has become less susceptible to human triggering, but still has the capacity to produce large avalanches.-The mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar combo is typically down 150 - 200cm. Direct triggering of this layer has become unlikely, however, cornice fall, a smaller avalanche in motion or prolonged warming could wake this layer up, which would result in very large and destructive avalanches.

Problems

Loose Wet

Expect to see an increase in avalanche activity with forecast rain at lower elevations or on solar aspects if the sun comes out for extended periods of time.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs immediately lee of ridge crest may still be sensitive to human triggering.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2014 2:00PM