Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2019 5:06PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Any appearance of the strong April sun can initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle. The likelihood of loose wet avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy / Light, westerly winds / Alpine low -2 C / Freezing level 800 m.MONDAY: Mostly sunny / Light, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 4 C / Freezing level 1500 m.TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 mm. / Light to moderate, southwesterly winds / Alpine high 4 C / Freezing level 1400 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 mm. / Light to moderate, westerly winds / Alpine high 5 C / Freezing level 1600 m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, numerous small (size 1) skier triggered storm slab avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

15-20 mm. of precipitation on Saturday fell as moist snow at treeline and rain below which sits on a melt freeze crust. Warm temperatures and wet precipitation are producing a moist, spring snowpack. The snowpack depth decreases rapidly below 1200 m.

Problems

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out, expect the loose wet avalanche hazard to increase rapidly.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

15-25 cm of snow on Saturday created fresh storm slabs at treeline and above.

Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2019 2:00PM