Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Apr 5 – 6, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche activity is possible on steep solar aspects if the sun peeks out.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Cornices are large and fragile in the north of the region: Give them a wide berth and a lot of respect.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Persistent slabs are most likely to be triggered with a large load like cornice fall; or by a person in a thin or variable-depth snowpack spot.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Recent snow and wind have formed slabs which could be triggered with the weight of a person.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Light snow. Light to moderate southerly winds. Freezing level near 1800 m.SATURDAY: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level near 1900 m.SUNDAY: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level near 1600 m.Click here for more information in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

A few sun-triggered avalanches to size 2 were reported on Wednesday. These included a size 2 loose wet avalanche and a skier-triggered wet slab. Storm slabs or cornice fall could potentially step down to a buried weak layer, creating a surprisingly large avalanche.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow and moderate winds may have created touchy slabs in specific terrain. Cornices are reported to be large and fragile. New snow overlies various old surfaces including melt freeze crusts on sunny aspects, scoured old hard wind slabs and dry snow.A weak layer consisting of surface hoar, facets or a sun crust buried in late March is now down about 60-80 cm. This is patchy in its distribution, but is mostly likely to be problematic on shady aspects between 1900m and 2250m. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled.

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