Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Apr 20 – 21, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Forecast snowfall amounts are extremely variable throughout the region. Pay close attention to how much snow falls in your riding area and be prepared to back-off to simple terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New snow and wind will promote new wind slab development in upper elevation lee terrain. Watch for triggering behind ridge crests and in gullies.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Rain on Saturday may weaken the snow surface and loose wet avalanches in steep terrain may be possible. Be aware that wet slides can entrain mass quickly.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Saturday: 10-20cm of new snow / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1300mSunday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 1900mMonday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 2400m

Avalanche Summary

In the short term, new snow and wind will promote new wind slab activity on Saturday while rain at lower elevations may trigger loose wet avalanches in steep terrain. With information regarding avalanche activity and snowpack conditions becoming evermore sparse this time of year, we would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. And we wish to thank those of you who have shared your recent observations. Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

New snow and wind on Saturday are expected to form fresh wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Depending on aspect and elevation, the new snow will likely overlie moist snow, a melt-freeze crust or settled storm snow from earlier in the week.Rain is expected to fall at lower elevations where a dwindling spring snowpack exists.

Regions covered