Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2015 8:52AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Winter-like conditions have returned to the region, use caution in wind-loaded terrain and on big features

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Although the most recent Pacific frontal system has passed through the area, unsettled weather and convective flurries continue to bring moderate amounts of precipitation to the area.MONDAY: Cloudy with flurries 5 to 10cm of snow expected for the region. Freezing level will rise to 1600m with moderate to strong winds from the South West.TUESDAY: A brief break in the weather pattern. Cloudy with sunny periods, freezing level around 1200m, winds light to moderate from the South West. WEDNESDAY:Â Cloudy with flurries, freezing levels rise close to 1700m, with moderate winds from the South West.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of avalanche activity from yesterday. This is most likely as a result of few field observations. We expect wind slab activity with new loading and strong winds. Solar aspects will become active again when the sun come out, and cornices will again be on our radar.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50cm of recent storm snow now rests on a variety of crusts and old surfaces including surface hoar and facets that formed in sheltered locations during the recent clear weather. Moderate to strong south west winds are redistributing the storm snow into wind slabs on the lee sides of ridge tops. A facet/crust layer that was buried in mid-March is now approximately 50-100 cm down. This remains a concern in the region because of it's potential for very large avalanches. Cornices are now large and mature and may collapse with increased loading, possibly triggering the deeply buried weak layer.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 50cm of recent storm snow combined with strong southwest winds have produced a wind slab problem that my be quite touchy in some locations.

Avoid slopes with glide cracks.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

No recent reports of activity on this layer, but we don't think it's gone yet. Something to keep in mind when contemplating riding big features.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2015 2:00PM