Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Apr 12 – 13, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Heavy precipitation is on the way Friday. The question is at what elevation will it fall as snow with a potentially high freezing level? This will be accompanied by strong south winds.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5
    Heavy snow at upper elevations is building new, reactive storm slabs. Watch for new slabs in areas when the rain switches to snow. The snow will fall with strong southwest winds, so expect thicker slabs in lee features.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Rising freezing levels and rain will rapidly weaken the snow surface initiating loose wet avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 25-35cm / Strong south wind / Alpine temperature 3 / Freezing level 1700 m SATURDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 20-30cm mostly overnight Friday into Saturday / Strong south wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1300 m SUNDAY: Wet flurries / Light west wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1300m

Avalanche Summary

We have received very little information on avalanche activity for this region. From the little we have heard, there were no new avalanches to report from Wednesday. Forecast heavy precipitation should mean that the likelihood of triggering avalanches is on the rise at upper elevations.We would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Heavy precipitation is forecast Friday. If it falls as snow at upper elevations, it will build reactive storm slabs which sit over a predominant thick crust. It is difficult to predict where and when rain will switch to snow, but expect the transition to happen as you approach mountain top.Below tree line, a spring snowpack exists. Rain has saturated upper snowpack. Forecast rain will continue this trend.

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