Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2019 3:32PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Wind has developed slabs around ridges and in lee terrain at upper elevations. If the sun comes out and temperatures rise, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase as the snowpack warms, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Flurries, 5-15 cm / west wind, 10-30 km/h / alpine low temperature -3 C / freezing level 1700 mTUESDAY: Near the Duffey a mix of sun, cloud, and isolated flurries; and closer to the Coq, scattered flurries, up to 10 cm accumulation / west wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature -1 C / freezing level 2000 mWEDNESDAY: Flurries, 5-10 cm snow / southwest wind, 15 gusting to 45 km/h / alpine high temperature -4 C / freezing level 1500 mTHURSDAY: Sun, cloud, and isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm / alpine high temperature -1 C / freezing level 1800 m

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle to size 2 likely occurred overnight Saturday; slab avalanches to size 2 were observed on north-northeasterly aspects around ridgetops and in recently loaded lee features on Sunday. Explosives also triggered small (size 1-1.5) wind slab avalanches on north to west aspects about 2000 m.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

Southwesterly winds have redistributed recent snowfall, forming slabs at ridgetop and in immediate lee terrain. This covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar and on high north-facing terrain.Warm temperatures during the day are moistening the snowpack up to 2000 m; snow is rapidly melting at lower elevations. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind has redistributed recent snowfall at upper treeline and alpine elevations. Use caution around lee terrain features and steep, convex slopes.

Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change with elevation.

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.

Avoid sun-exposed slopes and overhead exposure during periods of intense sun.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to cornices as they can weaken with daytime heating.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2019 2:00PM