Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2017 4:33PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

The next big change is on Sunday: Sunny warm weather will be the driver of avalanche problems.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The clouds will clear out Saturday afternoon, giving way to pleasant weather on Easter Sunday. Back to wet spring weather on Monday. SATURDAY: Isolated flurries (3-5cm possible) and occasional sunny breaks. Freezing level around 1400 m. Winds light southwesterly.SUNDAY: Clearing with some good sunshine. Freezing level rising to 1800 m in the afternoon. Winds light southerly. MONDAY: Snow (5-10cm) above 1500m. Winds 20-30 km/h from the south.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, explosives control work was able to trigger a Size 2 storm slab on a northwest aspect in the alpine near Whistler. Skiers were also able to trigger several Size 1 soft slabs in steep leeward alpine terrain. Expect avalanche activity to increase with the warm weather on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

We've had 20-40 cm of recent storm snow above 1500m. Winds were moderate to strong from a variety of directions and have created fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). The fatal accident near Lions Bay a week ago illustrates the danger of cornices breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Where they exist, cornices pose a significant hazard and should be avoided, especially when the sun comes out in full force.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Falling cornices can trigger large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2017 2:00PM