Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2012 10:46AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

Summary

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.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
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.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 6

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs
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.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 7

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New wind slabs may develop with forecast snow and wind. Be alert for these behind ridges and terrain breaks.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 6

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2012 9:00AM