Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 13th, 2018 4:59PM

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

cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

An overnight transition from rain to snow leaves us with some uncertainty for Wednesday. Expect the new snow to form touchy slabs in areas where it accumulates.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Rain and snow mixed with up to 10 cm of new snow accumulating in the alpine. Light to moderate southwest winds. Freezing level dropping from 2000 to 1200 metres.Wednesday: Cloudy with continuing flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. Light south winds. Freezing level to 1000 metres with alpine high temperatures of -3.Thursday: Mainly sunny. Light northeast winds. Freezing level rising to 1400 metres with alpine high temperatures of -2.Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light north winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 metres with alpine high temperatures around -1.

Avalanche Summary

No recent notable avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

After a period of light rain, new storm slabs are expected to form on the surface with up to 15 cm of new snow expected by Wednesday evening. The new snow will accumulate on a variable surface of wet snow and crust.Below the surface, the overall snowpack is well settled and strong. New cornices formed and old ones grew more overhanging with the snowfall at the end of last week. Cornices become more unstable as the temperature rises and as they are loaded by rain and new snow.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Another small pulse of snow and wind will be building up new storm slabs over Tuesday night and Wednesday. Light amounts mean that wind loaded areas will be the most concerning. New snow accumulations will increase with elevation.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. New snow and wind may have formed touchy slabs.Be careful around wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 14th, 2018 2:00PM