Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2016 9:04AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Storm slabs will require special attention until the recent snow settles and bonds. Make careful terrain choices as the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

A weak ridge of high pressure will cross the region today and tomorrow bringing warmer temperatures and some sunny skies, then moves on as a cold front follows and crosses the coast on Sunday. On Monday a high pressure ridge will begin to establish itself to the west of the coast, blocking incoming Pacific moisture for the next few days. TODAY: Freezing level rising to around 1500 m, no precipitation expected, winds are forecast to be light southwest. SATURDAY: Cloudy, freezing level around 1500 m, no precipitation expected, winds mostly from the south. SUNDAY: Freezing level lowers briefly to around 1200 m, 5 to 15 cm of snow possible, light southwest winds are forecast. MONDAY: Sunny skies with some cloudy periods, no precipitation in the forecast, freezing level climbing to 2000 m, winds from the south. For more detailed mountain weather information visit: http://www.avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

Reports of avalanche activity on Thursday were mostly of small storm and wind slabs on old surfaces including the March 23rd crust. Although not reported, I would suspect that there were natural storm slab failures on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of storm snow fell between Wednesday night and Thursday accompanied by moderate south/southwest wind. W now have storm and wind slabs at treeline and above. Below the new snow, the snowpack is strong and well-settled throughout with no notable persistent weaknesses. South slopes become moist/wet quickly with the strong spring sun. Cornices are huge and fragile.

Problems

Storm Slabs

15 to 20 cm of recent storm snow sitting on a variety of old surfaces. Melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, and temperature crusts on some northerly aspects.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices have grown large and may become unstable with rising temperatures and recent loading.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Loose Wet

Be cautious of southerly aspects, especially at lower elevations and during the heat of the day.

Loose wet activity may ramp up quickly as the sun comes out and warms up all the storm snow. Plan your day so that you're off sun exposed slopes by lunch time.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2016 2:00PM