Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 7th, 2019–Apr 8th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

Alpine

2: Moderate

Treeline

1: Low

Below Treeline

1: Low

Alpine

2: Moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

Keep an eye out for wind slabs in lee terrain. As the temperatures rise through the day, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase the snowpack warms, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy / southwest wind, 10-25 km/h / alpine temperature -6 C / freezing level dropping to valley bottomMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries, trace to 10 cm accumulation / north-northeast wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine temperature -2 C / freezing level 1700 mTUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud near the Duffey; scattered flurries with 10 cm accumulation near the Coquihalla / west wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine temperature -2 C / freezing level 1800 mWEDNESDAY: Flurries, 10 cm snow / southwest wind, 15 gusting to 35 km/h / alpine temperature -4 C / freezing level 1600 m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, small wind slab pockets were reactive to skiers in cross-loaded features at treeline near the Duffey.The likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will increase on if the sun shines, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Snowpack Summary

Snowfall over the weekend has been redistributed by wind at treeline elevations and above forming wind slabs at ridgetop and in lee terrain. The snow overlies recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Southerly wind has redistributed recent snowfall at upper treeline and alpine elevations. Use caution in lee terrain features, where deposits will be deepest and most reactive.

Assess snowfall amounts and the bond of the snow before committing into avalanche terrain.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

The recent snow will moisten quickly on southerly aspects when the clouds clear. Loose wet avalanches can become dangerous quickly, so use added caution when the sun is out.

Cornice falls could trigger avalanches on slopes below them.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid sun-exposed slopes and overhead exposure during periods of intense sun.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5