Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2015 9:26AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Rapidly rising temperatures on Friday could change the hazard rating to high in some locations.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

A Pacific moisture stream is bringing precipitation into the region today and into Thursday. There will be a brief clearing on Friday with freezing levels going up to 3000m, then more precipitation will arrive in the region on Saturday morning and continue through Sunday and Monday. Ridge top winds are forecast to be moderate to strong from the south-southwest. Freezing levels should hover around 1800m for the next 4 days with the exception of a "heat wave" on Friday that will see the freezing level rise to 3000m.

Avalanche Summary

A few wet snow avalanches have been reported occurring on solar aspects. Cloudy skies may keep the surface from overnight freezing and increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches and cornice failures.

Snowpack Summary

A variety of old snow surfaces exists throughout the region. Melt-freeze conditions can be found on solar aspects in the alpine, and on all aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing terrain, you may find stubborn old wind slabs and some surface facets from cold, clear nights.. The snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices , however, may become weak with daytime warming.

Problems

Cornices

Precipitation with moderate winds may build windslabs on lee slopes, and increase the load on existing cornices.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Stay well back from cornices.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2015 2:00PM