Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2017 4:12PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The next big change is on Sunday: Sunny, warm weather will be driving avalanche problems.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The clouds will clear out Saturday evening, giving way to pleasant weather on Easter Sunday. Back to wet spring weather on Monday.SUNDAY: Sunshine in the morning, clouding over in the afternoon. Freezing level rising to 2000 m, highs near +9. Winds light southerly.MONDAY: Rain (10-15mm) up to 1600m, with wet snow higher up. Winds 20-30 km/h from the south.TUESDAY: Wet snow or rain. Freezing level around 1500 m. Winds moderate southwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

No new reported in the past two days; however, expect avalanche activity to increase with the warm weather on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Over the past three days there's been 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 have set up slab avalanche conditions, particularly on the downwind (northerly and northeasterly) side of ridges and summits. Storm slab and wind slab instabilities are expected to settle rapidly with temperatures near zero. On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and sunshine will make the snow heavy, wet and cohesionless on Sunday. Even small slides can have serious consequences.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Where cornices exist, they are unstable and should be avoided, especially when the sun comes out in full force.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Expect to find fresh wind slabs reactive to human triggers behind ridgelines and summits.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2017 2:00PM