Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 17th, 2019 3:21PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
New snow and strong wind are in the forecast for Thursday. As freezing levels rise over the day, the snow may turn to rain. Travel conservatively to avoid fresh wind slabs and loose wet avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1800 m rising to 2200 m.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with rain switching to snow, accumulation 20 mm rain followed by 5 to 10 cm of snow, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 2400 m dropping to 1600 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light to moderate northwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1600 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed in the region on Tuesday. Avalanche activity should increase on Thursday as the incoming storm pummels the Coast Mountains.
Snowpack Summary
Above 1800 m, around 20 to 30 cm of new snow will accumulate on Thursday with associated strong southwest wind, forming new slabs. The freezing level will rise Thursday afternoon, dropping rain onto this new snow up to around 2200 m. Below 1800 m, the snowpack is saturated and rapidly melting from rain and warm air.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Snow above around 1800 m and strong southwest wind will form new wind slabs. The snow may also be touchy in sheltered areas, where enough accumulates.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.
- Expect conditions to change rapidly with aspect and elevation.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
A freezing level rise Thursday afternoon will heighten the rain-snow line, saturating the new snow. As the snow becomes wet, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will rapidly increase.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of heavy rain.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 18th, 2019 2:00PM
