Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 1st, 2012–Apr 2nd, 2012

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.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

South Coast.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Monday: heavy snowfall continuing overnight into Tuesday - strong to extreme southwest winds - freezing level at 1300m Tuesday: continued heavy snowfall - strong southwest winds decreasing throughout the day- freezing level at 1100m Wednesday: a mix of sun and cloud as a clearing trend develops - light and variable winds - freezing level at 900m

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural and human-triggered slabs to size 2.5 were observed in the Duffey lake area over the last few days. The suspected sliding layer has consistently been the March 26th interface (see snowpack observations). On Face Mountain in the Railroad Pass area 2 sledders triggered a size 2 avalanche while riding the slope at the same time. The slide was 60m wide and 50cm deep and was most likely triggered on the March 26 layer. The sledders escaped without injury. With weather forecast for Monday, expect widespread windslab and storm slab avalanche activity with serious potential to involve the deeper March 26th layer.

Snowpack Summary

40-70cm of snow that fell over the past few days now overlies an interface that was buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found in sheltered areas. This week's snowfall has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southerly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. The bonds between the new snow and the March interface have been weak, especially in locations where the surface hoar is present. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow moist and heavy. The deep, persistent early February layers linger in the snowpack and remain a concern with heavy triggers and rapid loading. Cornices are huge, and have continued to grow with this weather pattern.

Problems

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.

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.

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.