Avalanche Forecast
Regions: East Island, North Island, North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, South Coast, South Island, Tetrahedron, Vancouver Island, West Island.
Continue to limit exposure to cornices and steep slopes during the heat of the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Expect wet loose avalanches and cornice failures during periods of rain or strong sun. Avoiding steep slopes when the snow feels sloppy and avoiding cornice exposure are good travel habits. Avalanches could be large and travel far, meaning you should limit exposure to overhead avalanche terrain.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surface is likely moist to mountain tops during the day, which may freeze overnight. The remainder of the snowpack is strong and well-bonded.
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Weather Summary
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday have a freezing level between 1600 m and 1900 m with periods of light rain or snow at the mountain tops. Saturday is cloudy and Sunday and Monday are a mix of sun and cloud.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, it is raining, or solar radiation is strong.
- Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices are large at this time of year and will become more prone to fail as they warm up with spring weather. Stay well back from them when on ridgelines and limit your exposure when travelling on slopes below them, as their release is unpredictable. A flat spot on a ridgeline could actually be an overhanging cornice.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanche activity is possible during the heat of the day or when it is raining. Limit your exposure to steep terrain when the snow feels sloppy.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5