Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2016 8:14AM

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, Cornices and Wind Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Spring Conditions. If the sun comes out, the strong solar radiation will heat up the snowpack rapidly and avalanche danger will increase. New wind slabs may not be well bonded to the old surface crust.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy overnight with light to moderate northerly winds developing and freezing levels down close to 1000 metres by morning. Mix of sun and cloud on Thursday with a chance of scattered convective flurries and freezing levels climbing to 2000 metres. Overcast with convective flurries on Friday combined with light southerly winds. Freezing levels starting out near 1500 metres and rising up to at least 2000 metres. Not much of a re-freeze expected for Saturday morning, mostly sunny with freezing levels climbing to at least 2500 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. Forecast wind and snow may bring back a winter feel above treeline for a day or two. Watch for new wind slabs that may not bond to hard old surface crusts. If the sun comes out, conditions may change rapidly and crusts may break down when exposed to strong solar radiation.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanche activity is expected to increase with exposure to strong solar radiation and climbing freezing levels.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

If the sun comes out, it wont take long for solar aspects to heat up and result in natural cornice falls.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Thin new wind slabs may be easy to trigger when they are exposed to strong solar radiation. Wind slabs may not be well bonded to the old surface crust.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2016 2:00PM