Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: Light showers. Freezing level around 1500 m. Moderate southerly winds.Thursday: Light to locally moderate precipitation. Freezing level around 1400 m. Light to moderate north-westerly winds.Friday: Light precipitation, clearing by afternoon. Freezing level around 1200 m.
Avalanche Summary
Recent reports include wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 in response to warming and sunshine. Large glide avalanches were also reported. On Saturday, a size 3 glide release removed trees and left a 4-5 m deep deposit near Shames. Last week, a large icefall triggered a slab in the Bear Pass area, creating a size 4 avalanche.
Snowpack Summary
Cornices and icefall are an increased concern now that spring is upon us. A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Forecast rainfall at low elevations may have a similar effect. Surface hoar has been reported on shady slopes up into the alpine. Dry settling or faceting snow can be found on high north aspects. Pockets of wind slab formed with recent easterly outflow winds. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features.
Problems
Wet Slabs
Warm temperatures or rain may continue to weaken surface snow, especially below treeline. Wet slides can push you around, entrain mass and become surprisingly large. Also, avoid traveling on or underneath any slopes which sport glide cracks.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are a hazard in themselves and can also act as a heavy trigger for very large avalanches on the slope below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 11th, 2012 9:00AM
