Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2019 4:17PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

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On Thursday there will be a lull between frontal systems impacting the South Coast region. More precipitation fell than was forecast on Wednesday. Expect to see widespread storm slab development above 1400m.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY Night: Mainly cloudy with isolated showers or snow flurries / moderate southwest wind / alpine temperature 1 C / freezing level 1500 mTHURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks / light to moderate southeast wind / alpine temperature 5 C / freezing level 1800 mFRIDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 20-30 cm at upper elevations / moderate to strong south wind / alpine temperature 1 C / freezing level 1600 mSATURDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 20-30 cm at upper elevations / moderate to strong south wind / alpine temperature -1 C / freezing level 1300 m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently. Expect to see an increase of storm snow activity with 20-40 cm of new snow at uppermost elevations within the region.

Snowpack Summary

At uppermost elevations, 20-40 cm of new snow is likely sitting on a crust or wet snow. Below that, the upper snowpack is mostly moist or wet. At lower elevations precipitation is falling as rain onto an already moist or wet snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Snow at uppermost elevations falling with southerly winds has developed storm and wind slabs. Expect the new surface snow to sluff easily in steep terrain if the sun comes for an extended period of time on Thursday.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2019 2:00PM

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