Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2019 3:00PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Watch out for recently formed wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow may moisten quickly and form loose wet avalanches if the sun shines.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with intermittent snowfall, trace accumulation, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1400 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southeast wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light northwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the region on Friday. The likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will increase on Sunday if the sun shines.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 cm of recent snow fell with strong southerly wind. The snow overlies recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow above 1400 m has likely been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Use caution in lee terrain features, where deposits will be deepest and most reactive.

Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.Assess snowfall amounts and the bond of the snow before committing into avalanche terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

The recent snow will moisten quickly on southerly aspects when the clouds clear. Loose wet avalanches can become dangerous quickly, so use added caution when the sun is out.

Avoid sun-exposed slopes and overhead exposure during periods of intense sun.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Cornice falls could trigger avalanches on slopes below them.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

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