Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2014 10:05AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A weakening upper trough stalled off the southern BC coast should continue to deliver light snowfall Saturday night and scattered very light snowfall on Sunday. Look for gradual clearing on Monday.Saturday Night: Precipitation: 1 - 6mm | 2 - 10cm; Wind: Treeline: Light, SW | Ridgetop: Moderate, SWSunday: Freezing Level: 1100m - 1200m; Precipitation: 0-2mm | Trace; Wind: Treeline: Light, SW | Ridgetop: Light, SWMonday: Freezing Level: 1300 - 1600m; Precipitation: Nil; Wind: Treeline: Light, SW | Ridgetop: Light, WTuesday: Freezing Level: 1200 - 1700m Precipitation: Nil; Wind: Treeline: Light, Variable | Ridgetop: Light, NW

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Friday was limited to point releases out of north facing terrain at treeline which resulted in loose snow avalanches to size 1.

Snowpack Summary

On Friday night 10 - 25cm of new snow fell accompanied by strong southerly winds. There may be some areas where the recent snow does not bond well to melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects. The persistent weak layers from early March and early February continue to be a concern. The March weak layer of wind-scoured crusts, melt-freeze crusts, and/or surface hoar is reported to be down 60 - 100cm. The February crust/facet/surface hoar layer is now deeply buried down 150 - 250cm and may still be triggered by heavy loads like cornice falls or storm slab avalanches in motion. Long fracture propagations resulting in very large avalanches are possible with this layer. Avalanches releasing on these layers may step down to the ground during periods of strong solar radiation or warm spring rain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Watch for fresh sensitive wind slabs, which should be most problematic immediately lee of ridge crest and mid slope features. The new snow will need another day or two to settle before we start to think about more committing objectives.

The new snow will likely require another day to settle and stabilize.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Two deep weak layers exist in the snowpack. These weak layers could be activated by cornice fall, a surface avalanche in motion, or a rider finding the sweet spot, likely near a rock outcropping, or anywhere the snowpack goes from thick to thin.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried facets and surface hoar.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2014 2:00PM