Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2019 4:37PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Precipitation arriving Monday night will arrive as snow at uppermost elevations and a mix of wet snow and rain below.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

MONDAY Night: Snow or rain, accumulation 15-25 cm of snow at uppermost elevations / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine temperature -2 C / freezing level 1500 m dropping to 1000 mTUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated wet flurries / moderate south wind / alpine temperature -1 C / freezing level 1400 m WEDNESDAY: Sunny / light east wind / alpine temperature 7 C / freezing level 1900 mTHURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light east wind / alpine temperature 6 C / freezing level 1800 m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to see 15-25 cm of new snow at upper elevations sitting on either moist snow or a melt freeze crust. Below 1300 m approximately, precipitation forecast for Monday night may fall as a mix of snow and rain or just rain. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt than freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations.Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches nor activity on this layer in snowpack tests. The recent warm temperatures have probably helped this layer to heal significantly, the one place where it may still be a concern is high elevation north facing terrain.

Problems

Loose Wet

Wet snow or rain at lower elevations overnight and then sun and warm temperatures during the day will weaken the surface snow.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Storm Slabs

15-25 cm of new snow at upper elevations combined with moderate to strong southwest wind will promote the formation of storm and wind slabs.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2019 2:00PM