Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Apr 6 – 7, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Snow is forecasted for Saturday with associated strong winds. Be cautious of periods of rapid precipitation or wind loading, as avalanche activity may increase.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cornices are very large and fragile. Give them a large berth if travelling on ridges and avoid travelling underneath them, as they can trigger large avalanches.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    A weak layer buried 40 to 70 cm is still surprising people and producing large and destructive avalanches. Be particularly cautious around upper treeline and alpine terrain on shady aspects, where this layer is most likely to be a problem.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Snowfall on Saturday with strong winds will form new slabs. Observe for the bond of new snow with the old surface before committing into avalanche terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, strong southwesterly winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light westerly winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.MONDAY: Partly cloudy, light southwesterly winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, numerous small loose wet avalanches were triggered by skiers in steep terrain on all aspects from 2100 m to valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and strong southwesterly winds created new slabs at higher elevations.  This snow overlies various old surfaces including previous storm snow, melt freeze crusts on sunny aspects, and old wind slabs.  On ridges, cornices are reported to be large and fragile. At lower elevations, precipitation is falling as rain and creating wet snow conditions.A weak layer consisting of surface hoar, facets, or a sun crust from late March is now buried about 40 to 70 cm. This layer is spotty in its distribution. It is mostly likely to be problematic on shady aspects between 1900 m and 2250 m.The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled.

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