Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2018 4:08PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

A rising freezing level and clear skies will destabilize the surface snow in the short term.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light south wind / Alpine temperature 4 / Freezing level 1500m SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 8 / Freezing level 2000m MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature 12 / Freezing level 2500m

Avalanche Summary

No recent notable avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 45cm of new snow at upper elevations accumulating Thursday and Friday has begun to settle and bond and has 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

Storm Slabs

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

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Sunshine and warm temperatures will weaken the surface snow and trigger loose wet avalanches.

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

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2018 2:00PM