Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2019 5:07PM

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

Avalanche Canada ldreier, Avalanche Canada

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We are back in winter for a day, at least in the alpine. Wind slabs at upper elevations are the primary concern.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: 10-20 cm overnight, moderate to strong Southerly winds, freezing level at 1200 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snow fall, accumulation up to 10 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level at 1300 m.WEDNESDAY: Clear, moderate east winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level at 1700 m.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light east winds, alpine temperatures of -4 C, freezing level at 1900 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity was reported on Sunday.In the far north of the region on Friday and Saturday loose wet avalanche activity to size 2 was reported on solar aspects. Sporadic natural slab avalanches were also reported in the alpine and treeline, but no activity was reported from north aspects. Very little activity was reported from areas closer to Whistler.

Snowpack Summary

The new snow might form wind slabs in the alpine and is overlying a variety of snow layers. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is expected to continue to gain strength as we enter a period of consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
With new snow and moderate to strong Southerly winds we are expecting wind slabs to form, especially at higher elevations where snow accumulations are higher and winds are stronger.
Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2019 2:00PM

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