Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 7th, 2016 8:19AM
The alpine rating is Loose Wet, Cornices and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Moderate
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny. The freezing level remains close to 3500 m and winds could rise to moderate or strong from the W-SW late in the day. SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level could drop to 2000 m and winds are generally light from the NW. SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level shoots up again to 2500 m and winds are light and variable.
Avalanche Summary
I suspect sunshine and rapidly rising temperatures set off a widespread loose wet cycle on steep sun-exposed slopes on Thursday. Some areas may have seen cornices popping off and perhaps isolated slab avalanche activity. Friday will be a very similar day in terms of weather. We could see loose wet sluffing taper off a little, but the potential for persistent slabs and cornices falls could be even higher as the snowpack warms even more.
Snowpack Summary
Sunshine and soaring temperatures may have resulted in moist or wet snow on all aspects and elevations, except possibly very high true-north slopes. The existence and strength of a surface crust will be important on Friday. If a crust doesn't form or it breaks down really early, then avalanche danger might stay elevated for the entire day. A couple crusts could exist in the top 60-80 cm up to around 1800 m. We could see loose wet snow sliding on the upper crust with the potential for wet slabs running on deeper crusts. The late February persistent weak layer is down 80 to 120 cm below the surface. This layer may be a concern in isolated terrain, but it will probably take a large trigger like a cornice fall or surface avalanche in motion to set it off.
Problems
Loose Wet
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 8th, 2016 2:00PM