Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2019–Mar 15th, 2019

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: South Coast.

Seek out cold dry snow on higher elevation north and east aspects and watch for wind slabs in extreme terrain. Keep an eye on the effects of the sun, it could produce loose wet avalanches on south and west facing slopes Friday afternoon.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Friday offers one last day of temperatures on the cool side before the heat really comes on for the first time this season. THURSDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 1000 m, light west/southwest wind, trace of snow possible.FRIDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level holding around 1000 m, light to moderate west/southwest wind, no precipitation expected.SATURDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level rising to 1800 m, light southwest wind, no precipitation expected.SUNDAY: Clear skies, freezing level at 2700 m, light variable wind, no precipitation expected.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was reported on Wednesday. Explosive control produced small (size 1) slab avalanches on Tuesday. No other avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Relatively light amounts of moist snow have fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including a crust on steep southerly slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes. The new snow may take a little time to bond, especially on northerly aspects at higher elevations. The new snow has been formed into a hard and thick crust on south facing slopes, at least in the North Shore mountains.A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent weak layer to continue to linger.The lower snowpack is generally strong.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for thin wind slabs which may remain sensitive to human triggering. These are most likely to be found immediately lee of ridgecrest.

Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2