Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 4th, 2019–Apr 5th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Conditions vary rapidly with elevation. Watch out for fresh wind slabs above the rain-snow line.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light south wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1900 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate to strong south wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, moderate south wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small storm slab avalanches were triggered by skiers and naturally on Wednesday. They were 10 cm thick and generally on northerly aspects. The likelihood of triggering avalanches will increase above the snow-rain line due to continuous snowfall this weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Above around 1900 m, 10 to 15 cm of recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north, where the snow may overly weak faceted snow or surface hoar. The snow has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Another 5 cm is expected to accumulate during Friday. Below 1900 m, the snowpack is wet. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong southwest wind has blown recent snow into lee terrain features, forming wind slabs. Use added caution above the rain-snow line, where these deposits may be reactive to human traffic.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.Watch for quickly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2