Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 11th, 2019–Mar 12th, 2019

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Danger will rise with forecast new snow and wind. If you find places with more than 30 cm of new snow, the avalanche danger may increase to HIGH.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Heavy snowfall with accumulations of 15-25 cm, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.TUESDAY: Snow eases off in the north but continues with another 10 cm in the south bringing total accumulations over the course of the storm to 15-35 cm throughout the region, 20-30 km/h northwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with some isolated flurries, light northwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, 20-50 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -3 C, freezing level 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-1.5 loose dry avalanches were reported over the weekend. See this MIN report for an example here. On Saturday, a size 2 wind slab avalanche was triggered by a skier north of Pemberton. The avalanche occurred on a southwest aspect at 1850 m.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast snowfall amounts are variable throughout the region, so expect anywhere from 15-35 cm of fresh snow on Tuesday. Strong southwest wind will likely form drifts and deeper deposits at higher elevations. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast snowfall amounts are variable with anywhere from 15-35 cm possible. Storm slabs will be most likely to trigger in parts of the region with deeper accumulations and on slopes that have been loaded by the wind.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2