Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2017 4:27PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Alpine Danger may be Considerable in localized areas that receive more than 20 cm of new snow.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Cloudy with 5-10 cm of new snow(10-15 on Coquihalla). Light to moderate Southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1200m.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Light Southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1200 m.SATURDAY: Sunny. Light southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1400m.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a size 1.5 cornice triggered avalanche was reported on a north aspect at 2200 m in the Duffey Lake area.

Snowpack Summary

The forecast snow and wind on Wednesday is expected to create fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. On sun solar aspects and at lower elevations, numerous crusts exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger.Â

Problems

Wind Slabs

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

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Recent snow and wind are growing already large cornices. Minimize your exposure to cornices when it is cold and cloudy and completely avoid them when it is warm and/or sunny.

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.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2017 2:00PM