Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2015 8:21AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

If you're heading to the north of the region, the snowpack changes. See the Forecast Details page for more info.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud for the forecast period with light flurries possible on Monday evening. Winds should remain generally light with daytime freezing levels sitting at about 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, explosives control triggered wind slab avalanches to size 2 in the north of the region.No other recent avalanches were reported. With sunny breaks forecast for the next few days loose wet avalanches are possible in sun-exposed terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Smaller wind slabs have formed in high elevation lee terrain. These wind slabs overlie a variety of surfaces which include older wind slabs or melt-freeze crusts. Up to a metre below the surface you may find a hard crust which co-exists with facets, especially in the north of the region. Although reports suggest this layer has gained strength, I'd be wary of the possibility of isolated large avalanches on steep, unsupported slopes, especially if temperatures increase, or if solar radiation is strong. The mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found, particularly on shallow alpine slopes in the north of the region. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Below treeline, the snow appears to be in a spring melt-freeze cycle.

Problems

Loose Wet

Forecast sunny breaks may promote loose wet avalanche activity in steep, sun-exposed terrain. Warming may also trigger destructive cornice falls.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Although they're likely gaining strength, recently formed wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering in high elevation lee terrain.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2015 2:00PM