Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2012 10:24AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Avalanche danger can change during the course of a day. Avalanche danger will be LOW where there is a hard refrozen surface and may rise, with natural avalanches possible, during periods of warming.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Cloud increasing through the day and light precipitation starting by evening. Light to moderate SW winds. Freezing level around 1700 m.Monday: Light to moderate convective precipitation. Moderate SW winds. Freezing level around 1600 m. Clearing in the evening.Tuesday: Sunshine in the morning, changing to cloud and light precipitation late in the day. Moderate S winds. Freezing level around 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent observations include cornice falls (size 1-2) and glide slab releases to size 3.5. Loose moist avalanches have been observed during periods of warming.

Snowpack Summary

A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations) and improve when the surface freezes. Conditions may be quite icy in the morning. A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a lingering concern. Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.

Problems

Loose Wet

Wet loose or slab avalanches are most likely at times when temperatures are warm, e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations. Avoid exposure to slopes which are sporting glide cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 6

Cornices

Cornices can trigger avalanches on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2012 9:00AM