Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2017 4:08PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

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Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Snow Friday overnight into Saturday, accumulation 30-40cm / Moderate to strong south wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1000mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate southeast wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 1300mMONDAY: Flurries / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 0 / Freezing level 1200m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, the main concern is storm and wind slab avalanches where the precipitation has fallen as snow. At tree line and below expect small loose snow avalanches in steep terrain on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. The latest series of storms are expected to have brought wet snow to only the uppermost elevations within the region. In these highest elevations there may be as much as 100+cm of new snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Continuous precipitation over the past few days combined with wind at upper elevations has built reactive storm slabs.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow/rain and wind.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations will gradually break down surface crusts and contribute to wet snow sluffing and gathering mass in steep terrain.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2017 2:00PM