Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2017 3:00PM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Watch for lingering wind slabs in high north facing terrain. Extra caution is needed around all steep sun exposed slopes as well any slopes exposed to large cornices.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Mostly sunny conditions are expected on Monday with light alpine wind from the north. Freezing levels are forecast to drop to around 700 m Sunday overnight and reach around 1300 m on Monday afternoon. Increasing cloud cover is expected on Tuesday with light to moderate alpine wind from the south and freezing levels reaching around 1500 m in the afternoon. Light precipitation is forecast for Wednesday with strong alpine wind from the southwest and freezing levels reaching around 2000 m in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported but observations have been very limited. On Monday, solar triggered sluffing is possible on steep sun exposed slopes. Wind slabs may be reactive in high north facing terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. A widespread crust is now expected on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. Where dry snow still exists, recent strong southerly winds have likely formed wind slabs. At lower elevations, recent rain has likely saturated the snowpack which is expected to have become isothermal below the surface crust.

Problems

Loose Wet

Solar triggered loose wet avalanches should be expected from steep sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be reactive on shaded north facing terrain at the highest elevations.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2017 2:00PM