Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 16th, 2017–Apr 17th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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.

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.

Avalanche 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