Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 24th, 2012–Mar 25th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud each day for the forecast period with light and variable winds that should increase to strong from the southeast by Tuesday. Freezing levels should sit at about 700m on Sunday, climbing to around 1100m for Monday and Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

A few wet loose snow avalanches to size 1.5 were reported in the from the region. No other avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong southeast winds have recently created wind slabs that have now gained considerable strength. Solar aspects are now moist under sunny skies during the day with a good crust recovery developing at night. Surface hoar or facets may exist in some parts of the region of the region between 60 and 120cm deep. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are likely on steep sun exposed slopes in the afternoon.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recently developed wind slabs have gained considerable strength, but may be triggered in steep, isolated terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices are reported to be very large and potentially unstable at this time. A cornice fall could be destructive by itself, and may also act as a trigger on the slope below.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 6