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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 16th, 2018–Apr 17th, 2018

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

Regions

South Coast.

We should see sun, clouds, and localized flurries. The new snow won't bond well to a crust and the sun will further weaken it. Be cautious on south slopes when it is sunny and watch your overhead exposure, as cornice falls could trigger avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds with intermittent flurries, light to moderate west winds, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 1000 m.WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light east winds, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1200 m.THURSDAY: Sunny with afternoon clouds, light southwest winds, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

We have received very little information on avalanche activity for this region.  From what we have heard, skiers could easily trigger small loose wet avalanches on Sunday.  Natural loose wet avalanches were also observed in treeline and alpine terrain, particularly on southerly aspects.  Large slab avalanches were also observed, which may have released during the storm on Friday.We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 to 30 cm of snow on Monday fell on a melt-freeze crust formed by Sunday’s sunshine and warm air temperatures.   On shady slopes in the alpine, the snow fell on wind slabs formed from strong south winds early in the weekend.  A thick melt-freeze crust exists below this, which is about 40 to 60 cm deep.  The snow below this is well-settled and strong.Below about 1000 m, a spring snowpack exists.

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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.