Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2018 4:58PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Heavy precipitation is falling as rain below treeline and snow in the alpine. Reactive storm slabs are building at upper elevations and natural loose wet avalanches are occurring at lower elevations. Its a good time to avoid avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Heavy precipitation near 30 mm. Snow above 1200 m and rain below. Ridgetop wind strong from the southwest and freezing levels near 1200m. Thursday: Cloudy with 5-10 cm. Ridgetop wind strong from the South and freezing levels dropping to 900 m. Friday: Yet another blast of winter up high! Heavy precipitation up to 60 mm with snow above 1500 m and rain below. Ridgetop wind continue to be strong from the South and freezing levels near 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

We have received very little information on avalanche activity for this region. From the little we have heard, there were no new avalanches to report from Tuesday. Forecast heavy precipitation should mean that the likelihood of triggering avalanches is on the rise.We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Rain is now falling as snow at upper elevations building reactive storm slabs which sit over a predominant thick crust. It is difficult to predict where and when rain will switch to snow, but expect the transition to happen and by Wednesday and most precipitation will fall as snow above 1200 m.At below treeline elevations, a spring snowpack exists. Rain has saturated and weakened the upper snowpack. Forecast rain will continue this trend. The mid and lower snowpack are strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Heavy snow at upper elevations is building new, reactive storm slabs. Watch for new slabs in areas when the rain switches to snow. The snow will fall with strong southwest winds, so expect thicker slabs in lee features.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Rising freezing levels and rain will rapidly weaken the snow surface. This is particularly the case for the north of the region, which hasn't seen as much rain or warming as the south. Avoid overhead exposure.

Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, it is raining, or the solar radiation is strong.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2018 2:00PM