Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2019 3:50PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Although the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche is relatively low, the consequence of doing so is high. The recent snow may also be reactive. Continue to employ a conservative approach to terrain selection.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light northeast wind, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level 500 m.SATURDAY: Clear skies, light northeast wind, treeline temperature -5 C, freezing level 800 m.SUNDAY: Clear skies, light west wind, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 1100 m.MONDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate west wind, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose dry avalanches were triggered by skiers within the recent storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 30 cm of recent snow fell with light wind. This snow overlies a variety of layers, including wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and a melt-freeze crust on steep southerly slopes.A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 60 to 110 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent weak layer to continue to linger.The lower snowpack is generally strong.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 60 to 110 cm deep. This problem seems to be most prevalent in the North Shore Mountains.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagation due to the presence of a buried weak layer.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Storm Slabs

Expect to find around 30 cm of recent snow in the south of the region and 10 cm in the north. The snow may have consolidated into soft slabs, or may run loose. Sunny slopes may be the most reactive during daytime warming.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequence of a small avalanche could be serious.Use caution in wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use added caution on southerly slopes during periods of strong sun.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2019 2:00PM