Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2017 4:27PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

The next big change is on Sunday: Sunny warm weather will be the driver of avalanche problems.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

The clouds will clear out Saturday afternoon, giving way to pleasant weather on Easter Sunday. Back to wet spring weather on Monday. SATURDAY: Wet snow or rain ending near noon. Freezing level around 1400 m. Winds light southwesterly.SUNDAY: Clearing with some good sunshine. Freezing level rising to 2000 m in the afternoon. Winds light southerly. MONDAY: Rain (10-15mm) up to 1500m, with wet snow higher up. Winds 20-30 km/h from the south.

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 two days there's been approximately 20-30 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. 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

Wind Slabs

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

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

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

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

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2017 2:00PM