Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 18th, 2019 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Expect to find rapidly changing conditions with elevation, particularly as you transition through the rain-snow line. Travel conservatively to avoid wind slabs and loose wet avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with rain switching to snow, accumulation 10 to 20 mm rain followed by 5 to 15 cm of snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2400 m dropping to 1600 m.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries and afternoon clearing, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light to moderate west wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 m.
SATURDAY: Clear skies, light north wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2000 m.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
A few small natural avalanches were observed on Wednesday. Avalanche activity should be elevated Thursday into Friday as the storm pummels the Coast Mountains.
Snowpack Summary
Around 20 to 30 cm of snow likely accumulated above 2000 to 2400 m on Thursday into Thursday night. The snow fell with strong southwest wind, forming new slabs in the alpine. A freezing level decrease Friday night should drop another 5 to 10 cm of snow down to 1500 m by Friday morning. Below the rain-snow line, the snowpack is saturated and rapidly melting.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Above the rain-snow line, around 20 to 30 cm of snow is expected to accumulate by Friday morning, with associated strong south to southwest wind. This new snow will likely remain touchy on Friday, particularly in lee terrain features.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
- Expect conditions to change rapidly with aspect and elevation.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Clearing on Friday afternoon could cause the new snow to moisten on sun-exposed slopes, forming loose wet avalanches.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 19th, 2019 2:00PM
