Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2018 4:29PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Snowfall amounts are uncertain Thursday night into Friday. Higher amounts are expected in the southern portion of the region. If amounts are higher than forecast, the danger rating may be higher than what is indicated.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Flurries overnight Thursday into Friday, accumulation 10-20cm then a mix of sun and cloud through Friday / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -5 / Freezing level 700m SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1400m SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 6 / Freezing level 2200m

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose wet avalanches were observed in steep south-facing terrain on Wednesday and Tuesday. Most were small (size 1), but a few in the Coquihalla reached size 2.

Snowpack Summary

New snow accumulating on Thursday into Friday has been redistributed by southerly winds at upper elevations. The new snow sits on a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, cold dry snow on polar aspects, and wind affected snow at upper elevations.In northern parts of the region the mid-February weak layer is about 40 cm below the surface and has been reactive in some snowpack tests. The layer is composed of sugary facets, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar that is present at and below treeline. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on these layers. The snowpack is well settled in southern parts of the region (e.g. Coquihalla and Manning Park).Variable winds in the past month have created cornices on many alpine ridgelines. They will become touchier as they grow in size, as temperatures rise, and as the strong late-winter sun shines down upon them on clear days.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New snow combined with predominantly southerly winds will create wind slabs in the lee of terrain features.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
New snow and warming will likely make cornices extra brittle.
Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2018 2:00PM