Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 21st, 2013–Apr 22nd, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold

Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold

Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Sea To Sky.

The Public Avalanche Forecasts will come to an end on Tuesday. General spring messaging will be found under the "Forecast Details" tab below.See you next season!

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

An upper ridge stalls off the coast bringing sunny skies and dry cooler conditions through Tuesday. By mid-week freezing levels will gradually start to rise near 2000 m.Monday: Mostly clear skies. Ridgetop winds light-moderate from the NW and freezing levels reaching 1800 m. Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Possible light pulses of precipitation. Ridgetop winds light from the NE and freezing levels rising to 1900 m. Wednesday: The stationary ridge of high pressure continues bringing sunny skies freezing levels up to 2400 m. Ridgetop winds will blow light from the West.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity reported. Be aware that avalanche danger can increase quickly under the influence of the sun.

Snowpack Summary

Variable amounts of snow fell throughout Thursday night and Friday with the greatest accumulations falling in the south of the region. More recent rain and warm temperatures have left snow surfaces moist to about 1950m. Cohesive new wind slabs exist at higher elevations.In the upper snowpack (down 50-70cm) a significant melt-freeze crust lingers. Some facetting has been observed above and below this crust. At the same interface spotty surface hoar may linger on high, sheltered north facing terrain. My best guess is that this interface has gained significant strength, although I would make further observations before committing to any steep, unsupported features in the alpine.Cornices are huge and will continue to grow with the forecasted precipitation.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Watch for loose wet avalanche activity with rising freezing levels and solar radiation. The avalanche danger can rise quickly.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are gigantic and may become weaker with forecast sun.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 6

Wind Slabs

Recently formed windslabs have likely gained significant strength; however, human triggering may be possible on unsupported terrain at higher elevations.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3