Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Mar 21 – 22, 2015Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

If you're heading to the north of the region, the snowpack changes. See the Forecast Details page for more info.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Although they're likely gaining strength, recently formed wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering in high elevation lee terrain.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Forecast sunny breaks may promote loose wet avalanche activity in steep, sun-exposed terrain. Warming may also trigger destructive cornice falls.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud for the forecast period with light flurries possible on Monday evening. Winds should remain generally light with daytime freezing levels sitting at about 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, explosives control triggered wind slab avalanches to size 2 in the north of the region.No other recent avalanches were reported. With sunny breaks forecast for the next few days loose wet avalanches are possible in sun-exposed terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Smaller wind slabs have formed in high elevation lee terrain. These wind slabs overlie a variety of surfaces which include older wind slabs or melt-freeze crusts. Up to a metre below the surface you may find a hard crust which co-exists with facets, especially in the north of the region. Although reports suggest this layer has gained strength, I'd be wary of the possibility of isolated large avalanches on steep, unsupported slopes, especially if temperatures increase, or if solar radiation is strong. The mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found, particularly on shallow alpine slopes in the north of the region. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Below treeline, the snow appears to be in a spring melt-freeze cycle.

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