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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 27th, 2021–Mar 28th, 2021
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast Inland.

 

There is uncertainty with forecast precipitation amounts Saturday night through Sunday. If snowfall amounts materialize as forecast in the south of the region, then the avalanche danger will certainly be High. Avalanche danger may one step lower in the north part of region with less snowfall forecast.

Confidence

Low - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY Night: Snow, accumulation 10-15 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures -2 C.

SUNDAY: Snow, accumulation 5-15 cm in the north of the region and 15-25 cm in the south near Coquihalla Summit, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1200 m with treeline temperatures around -4 C.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwest wind, freezing level 1100 m with treeline temperatures around -5 C.

TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks, light northwest wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Friday was limited to loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 from steep terrain facing the sun.

Expect to see an increase in storm and wind slab avalanches on Sunday as new snow accumulates and the wind blows strong from the southwest. 

 

Snowpack Summary

New snow falling Saturday night and Sunday sits above a widespread hard crust or moist snow, 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

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

The forecast calls for snowfall combined with moderate to strong southwest wind Saturday night through Sunday. This will promote storm and wind slab formation at upper elevations. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations may weaken surface snow and cause it to sluff in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5