Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2018 4:35PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The weather forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud, yet relatively cool temperatures. Minimize your exposure to sunny slopes when the sun is out for extended periods.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

We'll have variably sunny weather on Saturday before a weak system comes through on Sunday. Temperatures are staying cool for this time of year. SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature +1 / Freezing level 1500m decreasing to 1000m by noon. SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level decreasing to 500m MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 500m

Avalanche Summary

There is no recent notable avalanche activity to report.

Snowpack Summary

We've seen only small amounts of new snow (1-8cm) in the past two days with daytime high temperatures rising to just above freezing at tree line elevations. The end result has given us a ~3cm thick melt-freeze crust that is generally unsupportive at lower elevations (below tree line) and supportive at higher elevations (tree line), particularly in the North Shore mountains. Alpine areas around Squamish likely received about 60-100 cm of storm snow and more wind early in the week. In these areas the storm snow is possibly sitting on a mixture of weak grains including a crust on solar aspects and potentially facets/surface hoar on polar aspects. Below the storm snow the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Loose Wet

The sun really packs a punch this time of year - that's no April Fool's joke! Limit your exposure to sunny slopes if the sun comes out in full force.

Avoid exposure to sunny slopes.Watch for clues, like sluffing off cliffs and pinwheeling, that the snowpack is warming up.Pay attention to hazards like cornices when traveling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may linger at higher elevations, and could be destabilized by periods of direct sunshine over the long weekend.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2018 2:00PM