Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2017 4:24PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

With the sun potentially coming out for an extended period of time on Thursday, expect storm slabs to be reactive at upper elevations

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light north wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1000mFRIDAY: Mainly cloudy / Light west wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1100mSATURDAY: Isolated flurries / Light west wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1400m

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday expect reactive storm and wind slab avalanches in the alpine and tree line elevation bands where the recent precipitation has fallen as snow. Below tree line expect small loose snow avalanches where rain has soaked the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

The last 48 hours has seen very heavy amounts of precipitation. The freezing level hovered around tree line during that time. Reports from the region have been few and far between, however it can be expected that 70-100cm of snow has fallen at upper elevations. The new snow would have been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below tree line has soaked an already moist and/or wet lower snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent moderate to strong wind and heavy precipitation has formed storm slabs that increase in depth and reactivity with elevation. Expect deeper slabs and touchier conditions on the lee side of wind exposed terrain features.

Be increasingly cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

With the potential of extended sun exposure on Thursday, expect the snow surface to stay wet below tree line

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2017 2:00PM