Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2019 5:30PM

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

ldreier, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

The sun is out again. The thin new snow layer may be triggered as wet snow avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clearing, trace of snow accumulation at upper elevations, light to moderate northeast winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1500 dropping to 800 mWEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate east winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1800 mTHURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1900 m FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 2000 m

Avalanche Summary

In the far north of the region on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday loose wet avalanche activity up 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.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow at upper elevations from Monday night sits on a variety of surfaces. On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted snow and/or isolated old wind slabs. At most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. 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 gaining strength in consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

The sun will affect the new snow and increase the potential for triggering loose wet avalanches.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

The presence of wind slab is isolated to the north of the region where more snow fall and stronger winds occurred.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2019 2:00PM