Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Apr 23 – 24, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind slabs may react to human triggers around ridges and lee features. Loose wet avalanches remain a concern, especially on sunny slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    South-southwesterly winds have produced isolated pockets of snow around ridges and immediate lees. Cornices may be touchy, give them plenty of space.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will depend on the extent of overnight crust recovery and the pace at which the warms through the day.

Avalanche Summary

Snowballing and loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 were observed in the Duffey Lake area on Saturday.

There have been few observations in the South Coast Inland Region, however the neighboring Sea to Sky region observed a natural avalanche cycle into Saturday. Loose wet avalanches to size 2, wet slab avalanches to size 3, and large cornices failing naturally and triggering slab avalanches to size 3 on the slopes below were reported around the region.

If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it. If you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN), thanks!

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, up to 10 cm cold wind-affected snow is holding onto northerly aspects. Recent precipitation fell as rain upwards of 1800 m. Southerly winds have produced isolated drifts around ridges and in immediate lee features at upper elevations, cornices have been touchy recently.

A crust is found on solar alpine slopes and all aspects below. Warm overnight temperatures will prevent crust recovery as you lose elevation. Expect thin surface crusts to break down quickly with daytime warming. Below treeline the snowpack is saturated and rapidly melting.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated wet flurries, light west wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 800 m.

WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, light east wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2000 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, light southwest wind gusting to 40 km/h, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2000 m.

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