Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Apr 2 – 3, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for changing snow conditions when the sun comes out. Storm slabs and persistent slabs are possible at higher elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    A weak layer from February remains a concern. It produced several large human triggered avalanches last weekend, and may still react in shallow areas. Heavy loads such as a storm slab avalanche or a cornice fall are also possible triggers.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Storm slabs may be reactive on steep convexities and on wind loaded terrain features at higher elevations.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Sunny skies, light winds, and freezing level rising to 1000 m after an overnight freeze.TUESDAY: Overcast with light snow starting in the afternoon, increasing south wind, and freezing level climbing to 1200 m. WEDNESDAY: 10-20 cm with strong south wind and freezing level around 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a few explosive and natural triggered storm slabs were reported in the Stewart / Bear Pass area. Most storm slabs were size 1.5 in the top 20 cm of snow, with some larger natural storms slabs in big alpine features around Bear Pass. On Friday, one loose wet avalanche size 1 released from a ski cut below treeline in the Shames area.More storm slab activity likely occurred on Sunday, and storm slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of recent storm snow is settling at higher elevations. Warm daytime temperatures and sun are creating moist snow at treeline and wet snow below treeline, with reports of 40-60 cm of moist snow at 1200 m around Shames. The late February persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light loads in shallow weak spots. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avalanches or wet slabs in steep unsupported terrain features.

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