Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 8th, 2018–Apr 9th, 2018

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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.

Expect changing weather on Monday: light precipitation in the morning, increasing freezing levels, and afternoon sun breaks. These will weaken the snow surface over the day. Observe for signs of instability before travelling into avalanche terrain.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with light precipitation in the morning and afternoon clearing, light southerly winds, treeline temperature 1 C, freezing level 1500 m rising to 2500 m by the late afternoon.TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with afternoon rain, accumulation 20 mm, strong southerly winds, treeline temperature 4 C, freezing level 2600 m dropping to 1500 m over the day.WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with light precipitation, accumulation 15 mm rain at lower elevations and 15 cm snow at higher elevations, light southerly winds, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

We have received very little information on avalanche activity for this region. From the little we have heard, it was generally easy to initiate large wet loose avalanche in steep terrain below treeline on the weekend. We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Around 40 to 100 mm of rain fell on the snowpack up to around treeline between Thursday and Sunday, with precipitation as snow at alpine elevations and possible at treeline too. In higher terrain, snowfall has created new storm slabs. This snow overlies a thick crust in most areas except for possibly shady aspects in alpine terrain. The snowpack below the crust is generally strong.Below treeline and possibly treeline elevations, a spring snowpack exists. The rain saturated and weakened the upper snowpack. The wet snow may freeze at higher elevations with cool temperatures. The mid and lower snowpack are strong.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snowfall at higher elevations has formed slabs.Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.

Observe for signs of instability, such as cracking and avalanche activity.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind-loaded snow.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices, which could trigger slabs on slopes below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Rain in the morning and warming temperatures and sunny patches in the afternoon could rapidly weaken the snow surface. Watch out for terrain traps such as gullies or above cliffs, where small avalanches can build and have severe consequences.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2