Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2018 4:01PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Avalanche activity is possible on steep solar aspects if the sun peeks out.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Light snow. Light to moderate southerly winds. Freezing level near 1800 m.SATURDAY: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level near 1900 m.SUNDAY: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level near 1600 m.Click here for more information in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

A few sun-triggered avalanches to size 2 were reported on Wednesday. These included a size 2 loose wet avalanche and a skier-triggered wet slab. Storm slabs or cornice fall could potentially step down to a buried weak layer, creating a surprisingly large avalanche.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow and moderate winds may have created touchy slabs in specific terrain. Cornices are reported to be large and fragile. New snow overlies various old surfaces including melt freeze crusts on sunny aspects, scoured old hard wind slabs and dry snow.A weak layer consisting of surface hoar, facets or a sun crust buried in late March is now down about 60-80 cm. This is patchy in its distribution, but is mostly likely to be problematic on shady aspects between 1900m and 2250m. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow and wind have formed slabs which could be triggered with the weight of a person.

Use conservative route selection: choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

Cornices are large and fragile in the north of the region: Give them a wide berth and a lot of respect.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs are most likely to be triggered with a large load like cornice fall; or by a person in a thin or variable-depth snowpack spot.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger deep slabs.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2018 2:00PM