Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2018 4:11PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

High freezing levels and sunshine will weaken surface snow at upper elevations

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast wind / Alpine temperature 9 / Freezing level 2000m MONDAY: Mainly sunny / Light to moderate southeast wind / Alpine temperature 12 / Freezing level 2500m TUESDAY: Rain showers / light to moderate east wind / Alpine temperature 11 / Freezing level 2400m

Avalanche Summary

No recent notable avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 45cm of new snow at upper elevations accumulating Thursday and Friday has settled, bonded and/or been redistributed by southerly winds. This new snow sits on a sun crust or moist snow on steep south-facing slopes, cold dry snow on northerly aspects, and an overall well settled snowpack. Thursday's precipitation fell as rain below 1200m where the surface snow is either wet or presents as a crust. Cornices have formed on many alpine ridge lines. They will become touchier as they grow in size, as temperatures rise, and as they are subject to the strong late-winter sun on clear days.

Problems

Loose Wet

Sunshine and warm temperatures will weaken the surface snow surface.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

Warm temperatures and sunshine will make already large and overhanging cornices ripe for triggering.

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2018 3:00PM