Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Apr 15 – 16, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Avoid avalanche terrain. Rapid loading from snowfall and wind is likely to induce a natural avalanche cycle.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Ongoing snowfall and southerly wind will add to cornices making them weaker and more likely to fail.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Ongoing snowfall accompanied by southerly winds will add to the storm slab problem throughout the day. The largest and most reactive slabs will be found on lee and cross loaded features on west through east aspects. Strong winds mean that loading could occur further down slope than expected.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing snowfall accompanied by southerly wind will continue to add to the storm slab problem with the largest being found on west through east aspects. This storm snow will overlie a crust on all terrain except north facing above 1000 m.

Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack. Below this is a well settled snowpack.

Thanks for the details! MIN

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in the past couple days but observations are limited this time of year.

We expect that a natural avalanche cycle will occur on Sunday.

If you are venturing into the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Stormy with 20 to 30 cm of new snow expected. Moderate to strong southeast winds and a low of -2°C at 1200 m.

Sunday

Stormy with 20 to 40 cm of new snow expected. Strong southeast winds and Freezing levels around 1300 m. Snowline falling to 600 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with  up to 20 cm of new snow possible. Moderate southeast winds and a high of -3°C at 1200 m.

Tuesday

Stormy with up to 20 cm possible. Light to moderate southerly winds and a high of -3°C at 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.

Regions covered