Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2019 4:36PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Natural avalanche activity is possible with daytime warming and when the sun shines. This may trigger loose wet avalanches on solar slopes. Isolated wind slabs may be reactive on north facing alpine slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

The next pacific frontal system will reach the North Coast Friday night bringing cloud and precipitation through the weekend.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 1400 m. Ridgetop wind gusty from the southwest.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snow amounts 10-15 cm. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1200 m.Â Ridgetop wind moderate to strong from the southwest.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels near 1500 m. Ridgetop winds moderate from the West.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity reported on Thursday. If you're out we'd love it if you would submit what you're seeing to the Mountain Information Network.The sun can really pack at punch this time of year and trigger loose wet avalanches, especially on solar aspects. North facing alpine slopes may have the best snow quality, however reactive wind slabs remain possible to trigger.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of storm snow from last weekend now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of a 4 cm crust, surface hoar and facets. The recent snow has transitioned into a hard surface on most aspects and elevations with the exception of high alpine North aspects. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formedÂ wind slabs that may be sensitive to human triggering especially where it sits above the April 4th interface.Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 20 cm of stiff storm snow sits on a widespread crust. Moderate southerly winds have likely formed pockets of wind slab in high elevation north facing features. Human triggering is most likely in the immediate lee of ridgecrest.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

The sun can really pack a punch this time of year. Small doses of sun could initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle. The likelihood of loose avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a period of time.

A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2019 2:00PM