Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2016 3:00PM

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

istorm, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Spring conditions typically means hazards are greatest during the heat of the afternoon. Start early, finish early.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Skies will cloud over Monday morning with a weak disturbance arriving overnight. Because the disturbance leads with a cold front, freezing level should lower to around 1000m overnight Monday and then hover between 1000 and 1500m through Wednesday. Winds will back to the south but remain in the light to moderate range. Precipitation forecast calls for 5 to 15mm by Tuesday evening -- rain at mid and lower elevations, snow at higher elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations reported.Cornices are also expected to be weak right now. Wet Loose response to solar rad & daytime warming. Wet slab possible lower elevations. TL & BTL likely just melting out gracefully,

Snowpack Summary

Moist or wet snow exists on all aspects at all elevations; the only possible exception is high elevation northerly aspects in Northern areas. Any surface crusts that form overnight will quickly break down during the day. The snowpack's strength is directly related to the thickness and strength of these crusts. Where layers remain in the snowpack, they are generally bonding. A widespread crust/facet layer from early February and depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack (primarily in northerly & inland areas) are dormant. Cycles of melting and refreezing have limited the reactivity of these old layers. However they, or the ground, could potentially once again be the layer for an isolated yet large avalanche with prolonged periods of warming.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet sluffing is likely on sun exposed slopes with sunshine or warm afternoon temperatures. The intensity of the sun and warmth directly effects he size and length; wet slabs are also possible, especially at lower elevations.

Avoid steep sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet. >Be cautious of wet sluffing in steep terrain. >

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

The timing of failures is unpredictable. Unsupported sections are extra suspicious. Dropping chunks are a hazard in themselves and they may also trigger a slab avalanche on the slopes below. Watch and limit your exposure to overhead hazards.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges. >Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2016 2:00PM