Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2017 3:41PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The elevated danger ratings and avalanche problems are more applicable to the north of the region (Sky Pilot area) than the south (North Shore mountains). Continually reassess conditions as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

We're back to wet spring weather on Monday, and continuing throughout the forecast period. MONDAY: Rain (10-15mm) falling mostly late in the day, with wet snow above 1500m. Winds 20-30 km/h from the south.TUESDAY: Wet snow or rain (20-30mm). Freezing level around 1500 m. Winds moderate southwesterly.WEDNESDAY: Rain (10-15mm) up to 1500m. Winds strong southerly.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, several small storm slabs were observed below treeline near Sky Pilot in the north of the region. See here for more details.

Snowpack Summary

Over the past several days there's been a total of 10-40 cm of new snow at elevations above 1200 m, with plenty of rain-soaked snow below. The new snow and accompanying southeast winds created slab avalanche conditions, particularly on the downwind (northerly and northeasterly) side of ridges and summits. In the Sky Pilot area near Squamish, a storm snow layer down 20cm was reported to be active on Saturday - see Avalanche Summary above for more details. Storm slab and wind slab instabilities are expected to settle rapidly with temperatures above zero during the day and refreezing overnight. Cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun, or drenched by rain). Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.

Problems

Cornices

Where cornices exist, they are unstable and should be avoided.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Falling cornices can trigger large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

If the snow does not experience an overnight re-freeze, there is an increased risk of loose wet avalanches. Even small slides can have serious consequences.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs may still be lingering in the alpine of the Sky Pilot area.

Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2017 2:00PM