Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 21st, 2018 4:11PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers on leeward slopes below ridgetops.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Cloudy. Light south wind. Alpine temperature -1. Freezing level 1200 m. MONDAY: Cloudy. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Alpine temperature +3. Freezing level 1500 m.TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine temperature +3. Freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region. Avalanche reports have been limited due to very few information sources this time of year. If you have been out, please post your observations on the Mountain Information Network. (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers on leeward slopes below ridgetops.In the south of the region, two layers of surface hoar are buried early-March and mid-March are approximately 70-100 cm deep and most prominent on north to east aspects. Further north, these layers are around 40 cm deep.Below these March layers the mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. However in the far north of the region there are weak sugary facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers in wind affected terrain at treeline and above.

Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind loaded slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Recent storm snow below treeline may quickly become moist and increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

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