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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 10th, 2023–Apr 11th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Sea To Sky, Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Spearhead, Tantalus, Sky Pilot.

Be cautious in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations. Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggering.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Observations have been limited by stormy weather, but a natural avalanche cycle occurred over the weekend. Heavy loading from snow and wind at upper elevations formed storm and wind slabs up to size 3, while rain at lower elevations saturated the snowpack and initiated wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.

Over the past few days, numerous small natural and skier-triggered wind slabs have been observed in immediate lee features. Several small natural cornice falls have also been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 70 cm of recent storm snow was accompanied by strong to extreme southerly winds, forming wind slabs on west through east aspects at treeline and above. These winds have also scoured exposed windward slopes. A crust exists on or near the surface at lower elevations and to ridgetop on solar aspects.

A crust from early April can be found down 50 to 80 cm on all solar aspects and at treeline and below on north-facing terrain. Below this crust, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy with clear periods and flurries, trace to 10 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -6 °C. Ridge wind 10 to 30 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level 900 metres.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with flurries, 5 to 15 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind 15 to 40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level rises to 1600 metres.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods and flurries, trace to 10 cm accumulation. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind 15 to 40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.