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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 31st, 2012–Apr 1st, 2012

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunday: a mix of sun and cloud with light snowfall becoming heavy overnight - moderate southwest winds - freezing level at 850m Monday: heavy snowfall continuing overnight - strong to extreme southwest winds - freezing level between 1000 and 1500m Tuesday: light snowfall with possible clearing - moderate southwest winds - freezing level at 700m

Avalanche Summary

Explosives control on Saturday produced numerous size 1.5-2 avalanches that ran on the March 26th interface. Some of these avalanches ran sympathetically with other slides, or remotely at distances of up to 300m.

Snowpack Summary

The latest pulse of precipitation brings the storm snow totals to between 75-100cm overlying surfaces that were buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust which exists on all aspects except true north facing slopes at treeline and in the alpine, where small surface hoar is present in sheltered places . This week's snow continues to be redistributed by consistently moderate to strong variable winds, forming windslabs in unsuspecting locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. Below the March 26 interface, last week's storm snow is well settled and bonded, with further strength gains deeper in the pack. In isolated locations the weaknesses from early February linger and the chance for a large, deep release is possible in times of rapid loading from new snowfall, rain or cornice fall.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.