Spring means extra caution on south-facing slopes. Avoid exposing yourself to hazard from large slopes or cornices overhead while its sunny or warm. And watch for pockets of wind slab in high alpine terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
TONIGHT: Increasing cloud. Ridge wind light, southwest. Temperature at treeline near +2. Freezing level 1500 m.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Ridge wind moderate, south. Temperature at treeline near +1. Freezing level 1500 m lowering to 1000 m. Rain changing to snow beginning in the evening and overnight. Precipitation 30-40 mm. SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy, snow ending. Accumulation 5-10 cm. Ridge wind light to moderate, west. Temperature at treeline near -1. Freezing level 1200 m.SUNDAY: Sunny. Ridge wind light, northeast. Temperature at treeline near +3. Freezing level increasing to 1800 m.
Avalanche Summary
Earlier in the week, skiers could easily trigger small loose wet avalanches on Monday. Natural loose wet avalanches were also observed in treeline and alpine terrain, particularly on solar aspects. More details here.Over the weekend, large slab avalanches were also observed on the North Shore mountains that may have released during the storm last Friday. Read MIN report hereFurther north near Squamish reports indicated sun-induced natural activity on Sunday in alpine 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
Above about 1200 m, 30 to 60 cm of moist snow sits on a predominant crust that formed at the beginning of April. Below this the snowpack is well-settled and strong. Read more here.At lower elevations (~1000 m) a spring snowpack exists.
Problems
Cornices
Warm temperatures and high freezing levels may weaken cornices. Give them a wide berth if traveling above or below them.
Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.Avoid steep slopes below cornices.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warm temperatures or a bit of sun on Friday may weaken the snow surface. Loose wet avalanches on steep southerly features and near rocks may be possible. Be aware that wet slides can quickly gain mass and grow large.
Avoid steep slopes if temperatures are warm or solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 20th, 2018 2:00PM
