Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Due to variable weather conditions

A continued low over the Gulf of Alaska will whirl a series of convective systems through the southern part of the province, bringing light precipitation to the North West regions. Friday: Snow amounts 3-10 cm. Ridgetop winds light from the SW. Alpine temperatures near -3. Freezing levels 1200 m then falling to valley bottom at night. Saturday/Sunday: The weekend will continue with quite the mixed bag of unsettled, spring-like convective weather. Expect bands of fast moving clouds, light precipitation, and periods of sun in the afternoons. Freezing levels 800 m during the day, falling to valley bottom at night. Ridgetop winds will be light - moderate from the SE-SW.

Reports from Wednesday indicated loose, solar induced sluffing and pinwheeling below 1500 m. On Tuesday a natural cornice fall triggered a size 2 slab avalanche on the slope below. This occurred on a NE aspect.

Moderate-Strong SE-S winds continue to build wind slabs. They may be found in unusual places, lower on the slope or in open areas below treeline. Windward aspects may become wind pressed, and even scoured. North aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow in the upper 20 cm. Spring-like conditions exist and crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations, becoming moist under sunny skies. Melt-freeze conditions exist @ treeline on all aspects. Below treeline has remained moist, with no recovery below 1500 m. The mid-pack is well consolidated. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. It most likely needs a large trigger on a specific spot. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below.