Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2017 3:40PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The elevated danger ratings and avalanche problems are more applicable to the higher elevations in the north of the region (Sky Pilot area) than the south (North Shore mountains). Continually reassess conditions as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

We're looking at unsettled and variably wet spring weather throughout the forecast period. TUESDAY: Wet snow in the alpine Monday overnight through Tuesday (20-30cm by Tuesday afternoon). Freezing level around 1600 m. Winds moderate southwesterly.WEDNESDAY: More wet snow (10-15cm) above 1500m. Winds moderate southerly.THURSDAY: Flurries continue (5-10cm) with wet snow above 1600m. Winds light southwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

No new reported.

Snowpack Summary

At the start of the weekend we had a total of 10-40 cm of new snow at elevations above 1200 m, with plenty of rain-soaked snow below. The new snow and accompanying southeast winds created slab avalanche conditions, particularly on the downwind (northerly and northeasterly) side of ridges and summits.On Monday, storm slab and wind slab instabilities settled rapidly with warm temperatures during the day and cooling overnight.Cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun, or drenched by rain). Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Significant snowfall amounts may accumulate in the alpine (near Sky Pilot) if freezing levels are low enough and strong winds are blowing.

Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Where cornices exist, they are unstable and should be avoided.

Falling cornices can trigger large avalanches.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

With the incoming rainfall, there is an increased risk of loose wet avalanches. Even small slides can have serious consequences.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2017 2:00PM