Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2019 4:10PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Although the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche is relatively low, the consequence of doing so is high. Continue to employ a conservative approach to terrain selection.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light northwest wind, treeline temperature -7 C, freezing level 500 m.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light northwest wind, treeline temperature -6 C, freezing level 500 m.SATURDAY: Clear skies, light northeast wind, treeline temperature -4 C, freezing level 800 m.SUNDAY: Clear skies, light west wind, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no reports of avalanche activity in the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Between 5 and 15 cm of recent snow sits on a variety of surfaces, including wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and a melt-freeze crust on steep southerly slopes.A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 60 to 110 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.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 60 to 110 cm deep. This problem seems to be most prevalent in the North Shore Mountains.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Be aware of the potential for wide propagation due to the presence of a buried weak layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

The recent snow may need a bit of time to bond to underlying layers. The most suspect areas are adjacent to ridges, but you may be able to get loose snow to move in any steep terrain.

Use added caution on southerly slopes during periods of strong sun.Use caution in wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequence of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2019 2:00PM