Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2017 4:23PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Uncertainty exists with the freezing level in the coming days. Expect to see rain to mountain top except in the highest reaches of the region.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Flurries or rain showers, accumulation 5-10cm / Moderate to strong south wind / Alpine temperature 0 / Freezing level 1200mFRIDAY: Snow and rain, accumulation 20-30cm / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1100mSATURDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5cm / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -4 / Freezing level 1000m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region. Expect thin loose wet avalanches in the alpine and tree line elevation bands in the coming days. In the highest alpine areas where the latest precipitation may have fallen as snow expect to see reactive storm and wind slabs.

Snowpack Summary

On Wednesday there was heavy rain up to approximately 1400m. The rain has fallen on already moist or wet snow sitting above a strong and well settled snowpack. In the highest elevation terrain expect storm and or wind slabs to be sitting above a a strong rain crust.

Problems

Loose Wet

With rain to 1400m expected for Wednesday expect to see small loose wet avalanches at upper elevations. The expected size of avalanches will increase with elevation; the largest size range being higher in the alpine elevation band.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2017 2:00PM