Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 21st, 2018 3:38PM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Warming and solar radiation will drive the avalanche danger in the coming days. Watch for conditions that change throughout the day, and be cautious of overhead hazards.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will develop for the forecast period bringing clear skies and light ridgetop winds. The freezing level will hover around 1800m on Sunday and then rise to about 2800m for Monday and Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. In the coming days forecast warming and solar radiation are expected to trigger loose wet avalanches, especially in steep, sun-exposed terrain. Warming may also trigger destructive cornice failures.With information regarding avalanche activity and snowpack conditions becoming evermore sparse this time of year, we would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. And we wish to thank those of you who have shared your recent observations. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

New snow and wind on Saturday formed fresh wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. The new snow overlies settled storm snow on shaded alpine slopes and a melt-freeze crust in most other areas. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded. At lower elevations you'll find a dwindling spring snowpack and melt-freeze conditions.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warming and solar radiation over the next few days are expected to trigger loose wet avalanches, especially in steep, sun-exposed terrain. Loose wet avalanches can be pushy and entrain mass quickly.

Avoid steep slopes if temperatures are warm or solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

Warm temperatures and high freezing levels may weaken cornices. Give them a wide berth if traveling above or below them.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.Avoid steep slopes below cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

New snow and strong winds from Friday night have formed new wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Although they're likely to gain strength quickly, I'd remain cautious around ridge crests and in gullies.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.Watch for wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2018 2:00PM