Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2017 4:15PM

The alpine rating is moderate, 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.

The weather forecast calls for a few days of settled weather

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 1300mSATURDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5-10cm / Moderate west wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 1300mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate northwest wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1000m

Avalanche Summary

On Friday expect human triggering of storm and wind slabs to still be possible in the alpine and tree line elevation bands where the recent precipitation has fallen as snow.

Snowpack Summary

Tuesday and Wednesday saw very heavy amounts of precipitation. The freezing level hovered around tree line during that time, however it can be expected that 70-100cm of snow fell at upper elevations. The new snow would have been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below tree line has soaked an already moist and/or wet lower snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent moderate to strong wind and heavy precipitation has formed storm slabs that increase in depth and reactivity with elevation. Expect deeper slabs and touchier conditions on the lee side of wind exposed terrain features.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Be increasingly cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

With the potential of extended sun exposure on Thursday, expect the snow surface to stay wet below tree line

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2017 2:00PM