Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2020 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada cgarritty, Avalanche Canada

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Keep your risk tolerance to a minimum while public health resources are strained. Be sure to post your observations to the Mountain Information Network if you are heading out! 

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Saturday night: Clear. Light north winds shifting west. 

Sunday: Increasing cloud. Light to moderate southwest winds increasing over the day and overnight. Alpine temperatures dropping from around -5 to -7.

Monday: Cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, up to 10 cm with overnight accumulations. Light southwest winds. Alpine high temperatures around -9.

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and a trace of new snow, continuing overnight. Light northwest winds. Alpine high temperatures around -10.

Avalanche Summary

Warm sunny weather over recent days resulted in many wet loose avalanches on steep south-facing slopes across the region while large glide slab releases have been reported around the Coquihalla.

Looking forward, incoming cloud cover and cooling temperatures should temper natural wet loose and cornice activity on Sunday.

If you decide to travel in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are a variable mix of crusts, hard wind slabs, and soft faceted snow, with the surface becoming moist on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations each day. The mid snowpack is well settled and strong.

Northern parts of the region (e.g.. Duffey/Hurley/Gold Bridge) have had a deep instability lingering at the base of the snowpack for most of the season. While this layer has gained strength over the past month (the last reported avalanche was on Feb 17), it is still worth considering when assessing shallow, rocky slopes in this part of the region.

Terrain and Travel

  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Periods of sun may continue to promote wet loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes during the day. It could also weaken cornices.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2020 5:00PM

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