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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 31st, 2014–Apr 1st, 2014
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
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The ridge of high pressure will continue dominate the weather through Tuesday before breaking down as frontal system makes landfall Wednesday.Tuesday: Freezing Level: 500 - 1200m Precipitation: Nil; Wind: Treeline: Light, SW | Ridgetop: Moderate, NWWednesday: Freezing Level: 400m - 1100m; Precipitation: 2:7mm - 2:12cm; Wind: Treeline: Light, SW increasing to moderate SE | Ridgetop: Strong, SWThursday: Freezing Level: Valley Bottom 700m; Precipitation: 2:3mm -  2:6cm; Wind: Treeline: Strong, S | Ridgetop: Strong:Extreme, SW

Avalanche Summary

No new activity to report from Sunday.In the neighboring NW Coastal region, Avalanche activity on Sunday was limited to point releases from steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

It's starting to feel like spring in the NW. Valley temps are creeping into the double digits during the day, and there are reports of the top 15 cm of the snowpack becoming moist during daytime heating.The last significant shot of snow was on March 27th, 10 - 15 fell on March 30th. This new snow rests on top of a haggard old surface composed of old wind slab, melt freeze crust, and faceted old snow. Ongoing melt freeze cycles will likely help to heal any surface instabilities.The early March layer found in the upper snowpack is composed of facets/surface hoar on shady aspects and facets/crust on southerly aspects. I suspect this layer has been the culprit in the human triggered avalanches from March 27/28 in the neighboring NW Coastal region, that are being reported on the Balktalk Facebook Page.The early February crust/facet/surface hoar combo can be found deep in the snowpack, although I suspect it's gone dormant for now.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

While the old hard wind slabs are unlikely to be triggered at this point, fresh shallow wind slabs may be found immediately lee of ridge crest and mid slope features.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

At this point the deep persistent weak layers would likely require a specific trigger like cornice fall, a surface avalanche in motion, or a rider finding the sweet spot, to be activated.
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6