Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2019 4:36PM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Watch for wind slabs and sun-affected slopes, both of which may be found on south-facing slopes.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Flurries possible. No significant accumulation expected.WEDNESDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level around 1200 m. Winds light northwesterly.THURSDAY: Flurries. Freezing level around 1300 m. Winds light southwesterly.FRIDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level rising to around 1600 m. Winds light southwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-1.5 loose dry avalanches were reported over the weekend. See this MIN report for an example here. On Saturday, a size 2 wind slab avalanche was triggered by a skier north of Pemberton. The avalanche occurred on a southwest aspect at 1850 m.

Snowpack Summary

8-15 cm new snow fell on Monday night, with highest amounts recorded along the Duffey. Winds shifted to the north during the storm, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds shifted to the north at the tail end of the storm, potentially building wind slabs on south-facing slopes in exposed areas. Watch also for the potential for slab avalanches on sun-affected slopes.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2019 2:00PM