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 - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Overcast with light snowfall. Winds light to moderate west. Freezing Level 1400m.Wednesday: Mix sun and cloud. Winds light and variable. Freezing level 1600m.Thursday: Moderate snowfall possible. Winds moderate southwest. Freezing level 1800m.
Avalanche Summary
Observations from the region have been very limited; however, several natural cornice releases to size 3 were reported over the weekend in the Sea to Sky region. In a few cases, the cornice fall triggered slabs to size 2.
Snowpack Summary
A melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects up to 2200 m, and dryer snow can be found on high northerly aspects. The recent warmer temperatures have helped to strengthen and settle the upper snowpack, especially on solar aspects. Isolated wind slabs may still exist, although I suspect they're gaining strength. Surface hoar growth has been noted on shady slopes at higher elevations, and large sagging cornices are becoming weak with daytime warming.The February crust/facet layer is now deeply buried 150 250 cm below the surface. This layer is mostly inactive at this time, but could re-awaken with extended warming, solar influence and large triggers like cornice fall.
Problems
Loose Wet
Watch for loose wet avalanches with daytime warming on steep, sun-exposed slopes. Loose wet avalanches can be pushy and entrain mass quickly.
Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
A cornice fall may also be what it takes to "wake-up" deep and destructive weaknesses which formed earlier in the season.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating. >Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 15th, 2014 2:00PM
