Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2018 4:36PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Coastal.

Be aware of changing conditions with elevation. Variable winds may have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects below ridgetops.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level around 1000 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light northeasterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature 1. Freezing level rising to around 1200 m.MONDAY: Mostly sunny. Light northeasterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level around 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday. On Wednesday, a size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche was remotely triggered by a group of skiers on a ridgetop from 10 m away. The avalanche failed on surface hoar about 70 cm deep on a north aspect at 1800 m. A size 2 wet slab was triggered by day-time warming in the same area near Bear Pass.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of recent storm snow and strong variable winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.In the south of the region, two layers of surface hoar are buried approximately 70-100 cm deep. The layers are most prominent on north to east aspects and were buried early-March and mid-March. In the north of the region, these layers are around 40 cm deep.Bellow these March layers the mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. However, shallower parts of the region, such as the far north, have weak sugary facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow may bond poorly to an underlying crust. Watch for fresh wind slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and convex features.

Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.Use small slopes with low or no consequence to test the bond of the new snow.Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.

Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.Avoid steep terrain that is in the sunshine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2018 2:00PM