Date Issued April 18, 2012 at 12:00PM
Valid until Wednesday 18 April, 2012.
DANGER RATINGS (Make sure you understand the
danger level meanings)
| Outlook | Thursday | Friday | Saturday
|
Alpine
|
LOW |
MODERATE
|
LOW
|
| Treeline |
LOW
|
LOW
|
LOW
|
| Below Treeline |
LOW |
LOW
|
LOW
|
Confidence: Good.
Past Weather: The Island peaks saw up to 10cms of new snow over the last few days which was less than forecasted. High winds were observed within this last snowfall.
Main Concerns: (Avalanche problems)
New Storm snow- Thin wind slabs in the alpine will build with the small amounts of forecasted precipitation and strong S/SW winds. These slabs could be triggered easily in specific areas lee to the wind or in open areas where the sun has previously caused sun crusts to form.
Weather Outlook:
Thursday: Mainly dry with a weak system approaching for the evening. Light snow overnight. Freezing levels around 1200m
Friday: The morning may see strong winds and snow accumulations in the alpine of 5 to 10 cms from the system over-night. A drying period should start during the day and into the weekend. Freezing levels around 900m
Saturday: Mainly dry with sun and cloud. Freezing levels around 1100m
Avalanche Activity:
Loose snow avalanches on solar aspects and cornices starting to fail.
Snowpack:
Up to 10cms of new snow is currently sitting on old sun and temperature crusts from the previous warm spell. Mild temperatures over the last three days will have settled this new snow out and this interface should be of less concern.
Travel Advisory:
Caution on solar aspects with respect to new snow overlying the old sun and temperature crusts. Good skiing will be limited to Direct North aspects only as the weather improves and the sun comes out. Be acutely aware of cornice hazard and the potential for run out. Fall hazards this time of year can be more serious in steep terrain due to hard surfaces and low friction. Be cognizant of glide cracks also and give them a wide berth.
Prepared by Cliff Umpleby
