Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Apr 15 – 16, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Spring Conditions. Sunny skies and very high freezing levels will increase the avalanche danger this weekend. The surface crust may break down rapidly if there is no re-freeze overnight.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Strong solar radiation and high freezing levels will be another test for remaining cornices in the alpine and at treeline. Avoid travelling beneath corniced ridges.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Forecast sunny skies and high freezing levels may rapidly weaken the surface snow on solar aspects. Shaded aspects in the alpine may warm up enough to release as loose wet avalanches.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–5
    The likelihood of wet slab avalanches will increase over the next few days due to forecast high freezing levels and strong solar radiation.

Weather Forecast

Cloud overnight decreasing as moderate southerly winds develop as the ridge of high pressure builds. Clearing during the day on Saturday with light southerly winds and freezing levels at 2500 metres. Clear on Sunday with freezing levels rising up to at least 3000 metres and treeline temperatures around plus 10 degrees. Monday should be the warmest day with freezing levels at 3500 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Most commercial operations have closed for the season, and data is becoming sparse.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is currently going through a typical spring melt-freeze cycle on all aspects and at all elevations, except possibly high true-north slopes which could be holding onto cold snow. The strength (thickness) of the surface crust and how quickly it breaks down during the day are important factors to focus on. If the sun comes out, conditions may change rapidly and crusts may break down when exposed to strong solar radiation. The likelihood of wet slab avalanches releasing on a deeply buried crust or on the ground will increase as the forecast hot weather continues. High alpine shaded aspects may begin to see the effects of the high freezing levels over the weekend, resulting in loose wet avalanches of previously dry and cold snow.

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