Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2017 3:47PM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Observations from the region have been extremely limited recently. If you are out in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network and help us improve the bulletin. Click here for more details.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Mostly cloudy conditions are expected on Tuesday with snowfall beginning in the late afternoon or evening. Alpine wind is expected to be light on Tuesday morning and progressively become strong from the southwest by Tuesday evening. Freezing levels are expected to reach around 1500 m on Tuesday afternoon. 15-25 cm of snow is forecast for Tuesday night and another 20-40 cm is forecast for Wednesday. Alpine wind is expected to be strong from the south or southwest and freezing levels are forecast to reach around 1500 m on Wednesday. The storm is forecast to taper off Wednesday night and a mix of sun and cloud is currently expected on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently but observations have been very limited. On Tuesday, the main concern is wind slabs in high north facing terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. A widespread crust is now expected on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. Where dry snow still exists, recent strong southerly winds have likely formed wind slabs. At lower elevations, recent rain events have likely saturated the snowpack which is expected to be isothermal below the surface crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be reactive on shaded north facing terrain at higher elevations.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2017 2:00PM