Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Apr 9, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The recent storm snow might still be triggered by humans. Once the sun is out expect loose wet avalanches on solar aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Up to 35 cm of recent storm snow sits on a crust in most locations, and on dry snow on north facing alpine terrain. Expect wind slabs in lee features at ridgetop.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Expect loose wet avalanches with increasing air temperatures and sun exposure.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / accumulation of up to 5 cm / light westerly wind / freezing level 1300 mTUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny periods / light to moderate northwest winds / alpine high temperature -3 C / freezing level 1900 mWEDNESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light westerly wind / alpine high temperature -5 C / freezing level 1800 mTHURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature -6 C / freezing level 1600 m

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, there were reports of a natural storm slab size 2.5 on an east aspect in the alpine and several natural dry and moist loose avalanches up to size 2.5 on northerly aspects.On Sunday and Saturday, there were a few reports of natural and human triggered storm slab and wind slab avalanches up to size 2 at treeline and alpine elevations. There were also reports of several natural and human triggered loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5 on steep solar slopes and below treeline.On Friday, there were reports of a few natural and human triggered storm and wind slab avalanches up to size 2. These were mainly on north to east aspects in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

10-35 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.

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