Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2017 4:13PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

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Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation Tuesday night into Wednesday 40-50cm / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1500 m THURSDAY: Periods of rain, accumulation 25mm / moderate to strong south wind / Alpine temperature 4 / Freezing level 1700mFRIDAY: Rain, accumulation 25mm / Light to moderate east wind / Alpine temperature 6 / Freezing level 2100m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently but observations have been very limited. On Wednesday, the main concern is storm and wind slab avalanches where the precipitation is falling as snow. At lower elevations expect small loose snow avalanches to be running in steep terrain on all aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. A weather system arriving Tuesday night is expected to bring mix of rain and snow. In the highest elevations within the region there may be as much as 50cm of snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine.Â At lower elevations, rain will saturate an already wet snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow combined with wind at upper elevations will build reactive storm slabs

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations will gradually break down surface crusts and contribute to wet snow sluffing and gathering mass in steep terrain.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2017 2:00PM