Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2016 9:52AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Storm slabs are expected to remain a problem above treeline Friday. A rising freezing level combined with the strong kiss of the spring sun is expected to initiate a round of loose wet activity too. Stay alert to changing conditions!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

The steady progression of ridges and troughs continues. Friday ushers in a brief drying day before another upper trough begins to spread high cloud to the region Saturday giving way to convective flurries on Sunday. FRIDAY: Freezing level around 1600 m, trace of snow possible, light northwest wind. SATURDAY: Freezing level around 1600 m, no significant precipitation expected, light southwest wind. SUNDAY: Freezing level around 1500 m, 2 to 10 cm of snow possible, light southwest wind. For more detailed mountain weather information visit avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

Reported avalanche activity on Wednesday was limited to small storm slabs. I suspect that there were some natural storm slab failures on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Storm totals in the northern portion of the region are between 10 and 15 cm. Slightly more snow fell in the south of the region where they received 20 to 25 cm of snow. The storm featured moderate south/southwest winds which have likely formed storm slabs at and above treeline. Below the new snow the snowpack is strong and well-settled throughout with no notable persistent weaknesses. Cornices are huge and fragile.

Problems

Storm Slabs

15 to 25 cm combined with moderate southwest winds have created storm slabs at and above treeline. These slabs will likely remain sensitive to human triggering Friday. The appearance of the sun Friday may initiate some natural activity too.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Some cornices are the size of a bus. Give these monsters a wide berth when traveling on or below ridge crests.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Loose Wet

Thursday's storm snow will be exposed to the strong spring sun and a rising freezing level Friday which is expected to initiate a round of loose wet activity at and below treeline. This activity may creep into south facing alpine terrain too.

Loose wet activity may ramp up quickly as the sun comes out and warms up all the storm snow. Plan your day so that you're off sun exposed slopes by lunch time.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2016 2:00PM