Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2019 3:42PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast Inland.

Forecast precipitation amounts are highly variable between weather models. Snow is expected above 1400 m, with associated extreme southwest wind. The snow could be touchy above the snow-rain line on Saturday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1900 m dropping to 1200 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, strong to extreme southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1400 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, small loose wet avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers within the recent storm snow. The likelihood of triggering avalanches will increase above the snow-rain line due to stormy conditions this weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected in the region Friday night into Saturday. The snow will fall with strong to extreme southwest wind. This snow will overly recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Below around 1900 m, the snow will fall onto a wet and well-settled snowpack. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snowfall and extreme southwest wind are forecast above around 1400 m. Use caution in lee terrain features, where deposits will be deepest and most reactive. Assess snowfall amounts and the bond of the snow before committing into avalanche terrain.

Watch for quickly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2019 2:00PM