Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2018 3:35PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Winter continues. Snow forecast for Thursday is expected to create storm slabs at upper elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Rain to about 1300 m, with up to 25 cm wet snow falling at higher elevations. Moderate to strong southerly winds. Freezing level near 1500 m.FRIDAY: Light snow. Light southerly winds. Freezing level near 1500 m.SATURDAY: Light to moderate snow, falling as rain below treeline. Light winds. Freezing level rising to 1750 m.Weather models disagree on the amount of precipitation expected this week.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine areas around Squamish are expected to develop new storm slabs on Thursday. New snow will add to recent snow which overlies variable surfaces including crusts and facets. Little is known about these buried weak layers, but they are more likely to be problematic on shady aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong.At treeline and below, a strong spring snowpack exists. Rain may break down surface crusts on Thursday, but the snowpack is expected to regain strength once the temperature drops again.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snow and wind are expected to build slabs which could be triggered with the weight of a person.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.Use conservative route selection: choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2018 2:00PM