Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 18th, 2017 4:21PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Storm slabs are the main concern in the north of the region (Sky Pilot area) while loose wet avalanches are the main concern in the south (North Shore mountains). Continually reassess conditions as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

We're looking at unsettled and variably wet spring weather through Thursday, with clearing and fine weather for Friday.WEDNESDAY: More wet snow (10-15cm) above 1400m. Winds moderate southerly.THURSDAY: Flurries continue (5-10cm) with wet snow above 1500m. Winds light southwesterly.FRIDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Freezing level rising to 2100m. High temperatures to +9 Celsius. Winds light southerly.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported, but there have been limited observations lately.

Snowpack Summary

On Monday into Tuesday we had 40mm of precipitation in the North Shore Mountains, most of which fell as rain to the summits. In the Sky Pilot area, 20-30cm of snow likely fell above 1600m, forming storm slabs in the process. Southerly aspects at treeline and below contain moist snow: Loose wet avalanches remain a concern in this elevation band. Cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun, or drenched by rain). Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Significant snowfall amounts may accumulate in the alpine (near Sky Pilot) if freezing levels are low enough and strong winds are blowing.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Where cornices exist, they are unstable and should be avoided.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Falling cornices can trigger large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

With the incoming rainfall and continued warm temperatures, there is an increased risk of loose wet avalanches. Even small slides can have serious consequences.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 19th, 2017 2:00PM