Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2012 10:27AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Avalanche danger can change during the course of a day. Avalanche danger will be LOW where there is a hard refrozen surface and may rise, with natural avalanches possible, during periods of warming.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Sunny breaks. Cloud increasing through the day and light precipitation starting by evening. Light to moderate SW winds. Freezing level around 1800 m.Monday: Light to moderate convective precipitation. Moderate SW winds. Freezing level around 1600 m. Clearing in the evening.Tuesday: Sunshine in the morning, changing to cloud and light precipitation late in the day. Moderate S winds. Freezing level around 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports include cornice fall and loose wet avalanches. Full-depth size 2-3 glide avalanches have been releasing on rock slabs.

Snowpack Summary

Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Recently, a lack of overnight freezing at low elevations left the snowpack weak. Once a few good freezes occur, stability should improve dramatically. Large cornices pose a threat from above. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, within the upper 1.5 m of the snowpack, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area, but may remain a lingering concern. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations).

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are most likely at times when temperatures are warm, e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations. They may start small, but can pick up mass and pile up deeply in terrain traps.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 6

Cornices

Mammoth cornices are looming. A cornice fall can act as a heavy trigger for avalanches on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Wet Slabs

Avoid exposure to slopes which are sporting glide cracks. Full-depth releases are possible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2012 9:00AM