Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2013 9:51AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Very light snow possible. Light S winds. Alpine temperature near -1. Thursday: Light snow. Light S winds. Freezing level near 1800 m.Friday: Clearing. Light winds. Freezing level near 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday and Monday, a few small loose avalanches were reported. An unsettling whumph was felt at 1900 m on a south aspect.Â

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures are helping recent storm snow to settle. On sun-baked and low to mid elevation slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface. This is causing weak moist snow conditions by day, while a refrozen crust forms by night. Large cornices are looming over some slopes, which may be weakened with warm temperatures. Various crust layers are buried in the upper snowpack. Surface hoar, buried down about 50-70 cm, still shows reactivity in snowpack tests, but in general, triggering this layer has become less likely. It still remains possible with a heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices are large and could trigger a slab on the slope below.

Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to large cornices overhead.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches failing on a crust and/or surface hoar layer buried about 50-70 cm down are becoming less likely, but could be triggered with a heavy load (cornice), or from a thin or convex-shaped part of a slope.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Loose Wet

Daytime warming or solar radiation may cause loose wet avalanches on steep south-facing or low elevation slopes. Wet slabs are also possible, especially on steep low elevation terrain.

Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to warm temperatures, or sun.>Watch for glide cracks.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2013 2:00PM