Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2017 4:48PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, 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 - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

We're looking at unsettled and variably wet spring weather throughout the forecast period. TUESDAY: Wet snow Monday overnight through Tuesday (5-15cm by Tuesday afternoon). Freezing level around 1700 m. Winds moderate southwesterly.WEDNESDAY: More wet snow (5-10cm) above 1500m. Winds strong southerly.THURSDAY: Flurries continue (5-10cm) with snow above 1600m. Winds 20-30 km/h from the southwest.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a Size 1 loose wet avalanche was reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine in the Duffey zone. See here for the MIN report.

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.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.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, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

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.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2017 2:00PM