Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2018 4:21PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

New snow accumulating through Thursday into Friday at upper elevations is driving the avalanche danger in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Overnight Thursday into Friday snow, accumulation 20-30cm then a mix of sun and cloud through Friday / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 800m SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light south wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 1400m SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 7 / Freezing level 2500m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. A MIN report from just outside the region near Squamish on Sunday (Watersprite Lake) describes a natural size 2 avalanche that failed on a south aspect at 1750 m (see photo and details here).

Snowpack Summary

New snow accumulating through Thursday into Friday at upper elevations will form deep deposits in wind loaded terrain. This new snow sits on a sun crust or moist snow on steep south-facing slopes, cold dry snow on northerly aspects, and an overall well settled snowpack. Cornices have formed on many alpine ridge lines. They will become touchier as they grow in size, as temperatures rise, and as they are subject to the strong late-winter sun on clear days.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs have built at higher elevations and be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Rain is possible up to treeline elevations, which could weaken the surface snow and trigger loose wet avalanches.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2018 2:00PM