Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Apr 11 – 12, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Wind slabs may be found in steep terrain at high elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs may be found in alpine terrain. Use caution entering steep slopes below ridges.

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 30 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 30 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

Avalanche Summary

A few small loose avalanches were observed out of steep terrain on Sunday. Otherwise, no recent avalanches were reported.

Looking forward, wind slabs could be triggered by riders out of steep terrain at high elevations. Best to stay well back of cornices too, as they are very large at this time of year.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of dry, wind-affected snow sits above a hard melt-freeze crust in the alpine. Wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features in the alpine from recent northeast wind. A surface melt-freeze crust is found at treeline and below, which may moisten during daytime heating.

Various melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper to middle snowpack, which reports suggest are bonding well. There are no deeper concerns at this time.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

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