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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 31st, 2017–Apr 1st, 2017
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

The forecast calls for snow Friday night into Saturday, but not enough to shift avalanche danger dramatically

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Flurries Friday night into Saturday, accumulation 10-15cm / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -3 / Freezing level 1300mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / Light west wind / Alpine temperature -5 / Freezing level 1100mMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light north wind / Alpine temperature -3 / Freezing level 1300m

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday and Wednesday several explosive and skier controlled avalanches to size 2 and 2.5 were reported from a variety of aspects. These were mostly wind and storm slabs failing 10-40cm deep. Some were also triggered by cornices pulling out 20-40cm slabs on slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

A series of snowfalls over the early part of the week accumulated 30-60cm of storm snow that has been redistributed by predominantly southwest and southeast winds. 2000m and below, the storm snow lies above a crust that formed last week. All this sits above a melt freeze crust that was buried mid March . The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of tree line and into the alpine. This layer is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be present nearer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer seems to be becoming dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Additional snow overnight Friday into Saturday will build fresh wind slabs in the lee of exposed terrain features
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices have grown large and overhanging over the past few weeks.
Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridgesEven small cornice falls may trigger larger avalanches on slopes belowAvoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3