Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 18th, 2019 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Conditions will change rapidly with elevation. Travel conservatively to avoid fresh wind slabs up high and loose wet avalanches if the clouds clear.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with rain or high-alpine snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 mm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level between 2000 m and 2400 m.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall and afternoon clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate west wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 m.
SATURDAY: Clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1900 m.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light west wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2200 m.
Avalanche Summary
There were no avalanche reports available on Wednesday. Avalanche activity should increase on Thursday into Friday as the storm pummels the Coast Mountains.
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
Rain fell to around 2000 to 2500 m on Thursday. Above the rain-snow line, around 10 to 20 cm of snow likely fell with associated strong southwest wind. A freezing level decrease Friday night will drop another 5 to 10 cm of snow down to 1700 m by Friday morning. Below the rain-snow line, the snowpack is saturated and rapidly melting.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs may have formed above the rain-snow line from recent snow and strong southwest wind. The new snow will likely remain touchy on Friday, particularly in lee terrain features where the deepest deposits will be found.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
- Expect conditions to change rapidly with aspect and elevation.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Clearing on Friday afternoon could cause the new snow to moisten on sun-exposed slopes, forming loose wet avalanches.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 19th, 2019 2:00PM
