Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2013 11:18AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis:Â The true pineapple breaks down Friday and a more zonal flow builds in its place.Â The North Coast inland will see a few small dribs and drabs of precip through the forecast period. Friday:Â Freezing Level 200m. Precip: 7-12mm/10-20cm. Wind: Strong, SouthSaturday:Â Freezing Level 400m.Â Precip: Trace. Wind: West, Moderate gusting StrongSunday: Freezing Level surface. Precip: Trace Wind: Light, NE

Avalanche Summary

Some thin wind slabs were released from ski cutting on East thru Southeast aspects at treeline Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Strong Southwest winds are re-distributing new snow into wind slabs, and reverse loading areas that were stripped by recent Northwest winds. These wind slabs may be sitting above recently developed surface hoar and surface facets in area where they were not stripped by the wind. Strong solar radiation may have developed sun crusts on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. The mid pack is reported to be well settled without any layers of concern. Depth hoar and facets are reported near the ground in areas with a thin snow pack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs are developing due to strong Southwest winds and new snow. Some recent wind slabs on Easterly aspects may be stripped or reverse loaded by the new storm.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2013 2:00PM