Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

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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.

Summary

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.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing 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

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2021 4:00PM