Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2017 3:59PM

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.

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Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation 20-30mm / Moderate to strong south wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1600mSATURDAY: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation 25-35cm / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 900mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature -5 / Freezing level 700m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently but observations have been very limited. On Friday, the main concern is storm and wind slab avalanches where the precipitation is falling as snow. At lower elevations expect loose snow avalanches to be running in steep terrain on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. The latest series of storms have brought mostly rain and wet snow to the only the uppermost elevations within the region. In these highest elevations within the region there may be as much as 80cm of snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow combined with wind at upper elevations will build reactive storm slabs. Forecast rain to mountaintop on this new snow will make slabs very touchy.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow/rain and wind.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations will gradually break down surface crusts and contribute to wet snow sluffing and gathering mass in steep terrain.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2017 2:00PM