Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 22 – 23, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Good riding can be found on north-facing slopes, but watch for wind slabs in steep open terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent snow may be reactive on steep wind affected slopes.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy skies, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -8 C.

TUESDAY: Sunny breaks in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon, 20-40 km/h west wind, freezing level climbing to 1300 m with treeline temperatures around -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1400 m with treeline temperatures around -4 C.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend there were several reports of small (size 1) human triggered wind slab avalanches around the Duffey area. They were mostly 20-25 cm thick (see an example in this MIN report). Some small dry loose avalanches were also reported in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Flurries over the past few days delivered 20-40 cm of snow. This snow has generally been stable, but there could be some wind slabs at higher elevations. This snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.

Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

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