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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 13th, 2015–Mar 14th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Recent additional load to the wind slabs and cornices require careful route finding and decision making.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Saturday will see more precipitation with a possibility of 10 15 cm at upper elevations and rain below 1500m. Sunday should be clear with freezing levels dropping to  1000m then slowly rising as another wave of moisture arrives on the coast. Winds will be light to moderate at ridge tops.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous explosive triggered avalanches to size 1.5 reported yesterday as well as one 1.5 skier accidental  on a wind slab. Forecast sunny skies may increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches on solar aspects, and with recent warm temperatures, cornice failures should be on the "lookout list".

Snowpack Summary

Melt-freeze crusts can be found on solar aspects in the alpine, and on all aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing terrain, old wind slabs and surface facets still exist. The snowpack is generally strong and well settled. However, be aware that cornices may become weak with daytime warming. and incoming precipitation will develop wind slabs on lee slopes.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow with warm temperatures and wind make the perfect combination for wind slab formation and avalanches, use extreme caution on lee slopes.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Warm temperatures and additional load  are prime conditions for cornice failures.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>Stay well back from cornices.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4