Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2016 9:07AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Storm slabs may remain a problem at treeline and above this weekend. Warm temperatures and strong solar effect will add to the risk of loose wet avalanches. Stay alert to changing conditions!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

A weak ridge of high pressure will pass through the region today and tomorrow bringing warmer temperatures and sunny skies, then move on, followed by a cold front that will cross the coast on Sunday. On Monday a high pressure ridge will begin to establish itself to the west of the coast blocking incoming Pacific moisture for the next few days. TODAY: Freezing level rising to around 1700 m, no precipitation expected, winds are forecast to be light southwest. SATURDAY: Cloudy, freezing level around 1800 m, no precipitation expected, winds mostly from the south. SUNDAY: Freezing level lowers briefly to around 1200 m, 15 to 20 cm of snow possible, light southwest winds are forecast. MONDAY: Sunny skies with some cloudy periods, precipitation forecast for the morning, clearing up in the afternoon, freezing level climbing to 1700 m, winds from the south. For more detailed mountain weather information visit: http://www.avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

Reported avalanche activity on Thursday was limited to small storm slabs.

Snowpack Summary

Storm totals in the northern portion of the region are between 10 and 15 cm. Slightly more snow fell in the south of the region where they received 20 to 25 cm of snow. The storm featured moderate south/southwest winds which have likely formed storm slabs at and above treeline. Below the new snow, the snowpack is strong and well-settled throughout with no notable persistent weaknesses. Cornices are huge and fragile.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow will take time to settle and bond, be cautious of all recently loaded terrain

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and ripe these days, rising temperatures will make then weak and dangerous.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Loose Wet

South facing terrain may become quite moist with daytime heating. A small loose-wet avalanche might affect deeply buried instabilities and trigger a large destructive avalanche.

Loose wet activity may ramp up quickly as the sun comes out and warms up all the storm snow. Plan your day so that you're off sun exposed slopes by lunch time.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2016 2:00PM