Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2019 4:03PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Wet flurries and warm temperatures can quickly warm the snowpack and increase the likelihood for loose wet avalanches. As you gain elevation and find dry snow, be wary of wind slabs around ridge crests and steep rolls.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 7 cm snow / southwest wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine low temperature -6 C / freezing level 1000 mTHURSDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest wind, 10-30 km/h / alpine high temperature -2 C / freezing level 1600 mFRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / west-southwest wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature -1 C / freezing level 1900 m SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries, 5-10 cm / south-southwest wind, 15 gusting to 45 km/h / alpine high temperature -2 C / freezing level 1500 m

Avalanche Summary

A MIN report from Blowdown here documents a size 2 skier triggered wind slab avalanche on a northeast alpine aspect on Monday.A MIN report from the Whistler Backcountry here documents a similar skier triggered slab avalanche on Monday. The avalanche was triggered in lee-ward terrain below a ridge feature. While outside the forecast region, the avalanche highlights a similar terrain feature that may hold wind slabs in the South Coast Inland.A natural avalanche cycle to size 2 occurred overnight Saturday around the Duffey; slab avalanches to size 2 were observed on north-northeasterly aspects around ridge crest and in recently loaded lee features on Sunday morning. On Sunday, explosives triggered small (size 1-1.5) wind slab avalanches on north to west aspects about 2000 m. The likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will increase as temperatures rise, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm wind and temperature affected snow covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar on north-facing alpine terrain. Wind slabs have formed around upper treeline and alpine ridge crests and lee terrain features. Warm temperatures during the day are moistening the snowpack up to 2000 m; snow is rapidly melting at lower elevations. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind has redistributed recent snowfall at upper treeline and alpine elevations. Use caution around lee terrain features and steep, convex slopes.

Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change with elevation.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

Wet flurries, rain and rising temperatures can all warm the snowpack and increase the likelihood for loose wet avalanches, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Avoid sun-exposed slopes and overhead exposure during periods of intense sun.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to cornices as they can weaken with daytime heating.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2019 2:00PM