Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2017 4:23PM

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

THURSDAY: Periods of rain, accumulation 16mm / Moderate southeast wind / Alpine temperature 4 / Freezing level 1800mFRIDAY: Rain heavy at times, accumulation 30mm / Moderate to strong southeast wind / Alpine temperature 8 / Freezing level 2000mSATURDAY: Snow, accumulation 20-25cm / Moderate to strong south wind / Alpine temperature 0 / Freezing level 1000m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently but observations have been very limited. On Thursday, the main concern is storm and wind slab avalanches where the precipitation is falling as snow. At lower elevations expect small 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 storm Tuesday night through Wednesday brought a mix of rain and snow. In the highest elevations within the region there may be as much as 50cm 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.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely - Very 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

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2017 2:00PM