Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2019 3:49PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Isolated wind slabs may still exist in the alpine. Also watch the skies and expect loose wet activity on southerly slopes when the sun is out.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1500 m.TUESDAY: Clear skies with afternoon clouds and isolated flurries, trace accumulation, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1500 m.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1800 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1900 m.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous small to large (size 1 to 2) storm and wind slab avalanches were reported in the region on Sunday. They were triggered naturally, by skiers, and explosives. They were most often in alpine terrain and released within the recent storm snow, between 20 and 40 cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

Around 30 cm of recent snowfall was blown around by strong southerly wind, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. This recent snow should remain dry on northerly aspects in the alpine but will otherwise moisten with an increasing freezing level and periods of sun. The snowpack is rapidly melting below 1800 m.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges remain suspect. Use added caution when entering these slopes.

Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.Expect conditions to change rapidly with aspect and elevation.Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

The recent snow will moisten quickly on southerly aspects under sunny skies. Loose wet avalanches can become dangerous quickly, so use added caution when the sun is out and during the heat of the day.

Avoid sun-exposed slopes when solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.Cornices become weak with daytime warming; travel early before the day heats up.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2019 2:00PM