Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 6th, 2019 3:35PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Although the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche is relatively low, the consequence of doing so is high. Continue to employ a conservative approach to terrain selection. Also observe for fresh wind slabs at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloud with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level 500 m.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light west wind, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level 500 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated snowfall, trace accumulation, light northwest wind, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level 500 m.SATURDAY: Mostly clear skies, light northeast wind, treeline temperature -4 C, freezing level 800 m.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reports of avalanche activity in the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Around 5 to 10 cm of snow will fall onto a variety of surfaces, including wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and a melt-freeze crust on steep southerly slopes.A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 60 to 110 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent weak layer to continue to linger.The lower snowpack is generally strong.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 60 to 110 cm deep. This problem seems to be most prevalent in the North Shore Mountains.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagation due to the presence of a buried weak layer.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs may form due to new snow and southwest wind. Apply added caution in lee terrain features near ridges.

Use caution in wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use added caution on southerly slopes during periods of strong sun.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2019 2:00PM