Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2018 3:15PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Another day of sunny warm weather before switching to a moist warm flow.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate southeast wind / Alpine temperature 11 / Freezing level 2400m TUESDAY: Cloudy with rain showers / moderate southeast wind / Alpine temperature 13 / Freezing level 2500m WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / light west wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No recent notable avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

New snow at upper elevations accumulating Thursday and Friday has settled, bonded and/or been redistributed by southerly winds. 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. Thursday's precipitation fell as rain below 1200m where the surface snow is either wet or presents as a crust. 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

Loose Wet

Sunshine and warm temperatures will weaken the surface snow surface.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

Warm temperatures and sunshine will make already large and overhanging cornices ripe for triggering.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2018 2:00PM