Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Apr 12 – 13, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

This forecast was produced with very few field observations.  If you have back-country information you would like to share, here, we'd love to hear from you.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Recent storm snow has been redistributed into wind slabs on lee slopes. A small wind slab might trigger deeper instabilities

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    This layer has not been reported as active recently, but commercial operators are keeping a close eye on this layer, as it has the potential to produce large, destructive avalanches.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Chance of flurries today, with the freezing level near 1000m for the high today. Wind at ridge tops light from the SW. MONDAY:  cloudy with flurries, wind from the South, and the freezing level may climb to 1200m during the day.TUESDAY: A break in the weather, cloudy with some sunny periods, freezing level around 1000m, LIGHT wind from the SW.WEDNESDAY:  Cloudy with flurries, possible 5cm of snow.  Freezing level around 1200m and winds light to moderate from the South West.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of natural avalanche activity yesterday, most likely because of few observations during this storm, but one operator recently reported good results, up to size 2.5, with explosives in wind loaded terrain.

Snowpack Summary

What new snow we have received has been blown into wind slabs on exposed lee slopes. The main concerns right now are wind slabs over a variety of surfaces that include crusts, facets and surface hoar that formed in in sheltered places during the last spell of clear cool  weather.  Large ripe cornices are also of concern and will be a problem with additional loading, especially when the sun and warm temperatures come back.   The March 25th crust with facets appears to be inactive, but is worth  keeping in mind.

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