Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2013 10:37AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Very light snowfall with generally overcast skies / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 1300mFriday: Light snowfall becoming moderate in the afternoon / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100mSaturday: Light snowfall / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche observations have been limited in the last few days. I would expect a good round of storm slab activity in the wake of snow and wind on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to locally heavy amounts of snow fell on Wednesday. At lower elevations rain continued to saturate the snowpack. The storm was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed areas near ridgetop with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. Up to 75cm below the surface you will likely find moist snow or a melt-freeze crust (depending on elevation) from last week's sunny weather. Spotty surface hoar on high north facing terrain may also exist at the same interface. Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Dense wind slabs have formed on slopes in the lee of ridge crests and in cross loaded features at upper elevations. In isolated terrain, storm snow avalanches may step down to a crust or surface hoar buried last week.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Loose Wet

With spring temperatures, loose wet avalanches are possible in steep terrain at lower elevations.

Watch for wet loose or slab activity with recent rain and warm temperatures.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2013 2:00PM