Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2019 4:12PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Watch out for isolated wind slabs in the alpine. The surface snow may moisten quickly and form loose wet avalanches during sunny periods.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1500 m.TUESDAY: Clear skies with afternoon clouds, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1500 m.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light to moderate west wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2000 m.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light southwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, freezing level 2500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Explosives triggered small cornice chunks on northerly ridges on Monday. The chunks did not trigger slabs on the slopes below.If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it if you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Around 15 cm of recent snow fell with strong westerly wind, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features at alpine elevations. This snow may overly weak and feathery surface hoar in isolated areas. Heat from the sun and an increasing freezing level will likely moisten alpine snow on southerly aspects. Below around 1800 m, the snowpack is consolidated and rapidly melting.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow in the alpine has been redistributed by strong westerly wind. Use caution in lee terrain features adjacent to ridges, where deposits may be most reactive.

Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.Expect conditions to change rapidly with aspect and elevation.Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

The recent snow will moisten quickly on southerly aspects under sunny skies. Loose wet avalanches can become dangerous quickly, so use added caution when the sun is out and during the heat of the day.

Cornices become weak with daytime warming; travel early before the day heats up.Avoid sun-exposed slopes when solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2019 2:00PM