Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2017 4:36PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Wind slabs and cornices are the main concerns right now. Carefully assess terrain before committing to bigger lines.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We're back to wet spring weather on Monday, and continuing throughout the forecast period. MONDAY: Rain (5-10mm) falling mostly after noon, with wet snow (5-10cm) above 1500m. Winds 20-30 km/h from the south.TUESDAY: Wet snow or rain (10-15mm / cm). Freezing level around 1700 m. Winds moderate southwesterly.WEDNESDAY: Rain (5-10mm) up to 1700m. Winds strong southerly.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, isolated small stiff wind slabs were reported on convex alpine features in the north of the region.

Snowpack Summary

Relatively light amounts of recent snow (10-20 cm in the past several days) resulted in isolated stiff wind slabs in the immediate lee of exposed terrain features at treeline and above. Dry snow can still be found on north aspects above 1900m; however, moist (or crusty) snow can be found on all south-facing slopes at all elevations.Cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). The fatal accident near Lions Bay a week ago illustrates the danger of cornices breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions created wind slabs on a variety of aspects, primarily in the alpine.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Recent snow and wind have created large cornices. Minimize your exposure to cornices when it is cold and cloudy and completely avoid them when it is warm and/or sunny.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Falling cornices can trigger large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2017 2:00PM