Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2013 10:27AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Very light snowfall with a mix of sun and cloud / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at 800mWednesday: Generally clear in the morning with increasing cloud throughout the day / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at 1200mThursday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at 1200m

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose wet avalanches have occurred from steeper solar aspects up to size 2.0. Large cornice releases have also been noted.

Snowpack Summary

Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded alpine slopes. Solar aspects at all elevations and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming. 30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with forecast warming.Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation.

Problems

Loose Wet

The solar effect is uncertain on Tuesday. If surface snow becomes moist or wet, loose wet avalanches are likely.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast warm temperatures.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Large cornice falls continue to be reported from the region. Large cornices may become weak if the sun is shining on Tuesday.

Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 6

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2013 2:00PM