Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2017 4:38PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Continued stormy weather has resulted in elevated avalanche danger. Alpine and tree line areas above the snow line have developed deep storm slabs.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Snow, accumulation 30-40cm Tuesday night through Wednesday / Moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 0 / Freezing level 1300 m THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light east wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1400mFRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 3 / Freezing level 1500m

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported from the Hollyburn area on Monday. On Wednesday expect reactive storm and wind slab avalanches in the alpine and tree line elevation bands where the recent precipitation has fallen as snow. Below tree line expect small loose snow avalanches where rain has soaked the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Additional new snow is expected at alpine elevations tonight and tomorrow. The freezing level is uncertain on Wednesday. Expect to see a mix of rain and snow at tree line and snow in the alpine. This new snow at upper elevations has been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below tree line will continue to soak an already moist and/or wet lower snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent strong winds and steady snowfall have formed storm slabs that increase in depth and reactivity with elevation. Expect deeper slabs and touchier conditions on the lee side of wind exposed terrain features.

Be increasingly cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Forecast rain at lower elevations may release as loose wet avalanches in steep terrain that is not well supported.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2017 2:00PM