Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Apr 17 – 18, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–6
    New wind slabs may develop with forecast snow and wind. Be alert for these behind ridges and terrain breaks.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–6
    Loose wet avalanches are most likely during periods of warming from rainfall or sunshine. These can push you around, entrain mass and become surprisingly large.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–7
    Warm temperatures or rain may continue to weaken the snowpack, leading to full-depth releases. Avoid traveling on or underneath any slopes which sport glide cracks. Glide cracks have been releasing all week.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Another Pacific frontal system is expected to hit the coastal areas Thursday into Friday. The upper flow will become Southwesterly and a ridge should develop for the weekend, bringing dryer conditions. Wednesday: Light- moderate precipitation amounts. Ridgetop winds light from the SE. Freezing levels near 1400 m. Thursday: Moderate-heavy precipitation amounts. Ridgetop winds strong from the S-SW. Freezing levels falling to valley bottom. Friday: Light precipitation. Ridgetop winds moderate from the SW. Freezing levels rising to 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous natural glide avalanches were reported up to size 3. Several loose wet avalanches up to size 2.5 that ran to ground have also been observed in response to warming from rainfall and sunshine.

Snowpack Summary

Spring-like conditions exist through the region. Melt and frozen surfaces continue on all aspects. Slopes that start to become wet, and slushy should be avoided because loose wet avalanches may occur. Lately, a lack of consistent overnight freezing has left the snowpack weak and unconsolidated, although some re-freezing has been reported in some areas. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Large cornices loom, and ice cliffs pose a threat from above. For more information on Spring Conditions and ways to mitigate risk, please visit the new Forecasters Blog Post.

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