Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2015 9:23AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Now that the storm is over, signs of avalanche danger may be less obvious. Touchy wind slabs are lingering. If it’s sunny, avoid large sun-baked slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

A brief clearing is expected to continue on Tuesday morning, before a Pacific frontal system pushes ashore late that day. Generally light precipitation is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with the freezing level around 1800 m and winds light to moderate from the S/SW.

Avalanche Summary

Touchy wind slabs have formed on lee and cross-loaded slopes following southerly winds. These can be triggered by the weight of a person, even from a distance.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs (lee to recent S-SW winds) and wind-affected surfaces are the main theme at the snow surface. Around the Coquihalla, up to 20 cm new snow may have created a localised storm slab problem. Cornices may also be fragile. Older, buried wind slabs may be hard to spot. A crust/facet combo produces moderate, sudden results in snowpack tests. This layer is buried anywhere from 10 to 60 cm down. Below this crust, the snowpack is reported to be generally well-settled and strong. Below treeline, the diminishing snowpack is trending isothermal (same temperature throughout).

Problems

Wind Slabs

Touchy wind slabs have formed on many slopes following shifting winds. These can be triggered by the weight of a person or sled. Cornices may be fragile and could break off further back from the edge than expected.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2015 2:00PM