Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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South Coast.

Keep a close eye on how the temperature and sun are affecting the snowpack in your local zone. The freezing level is forecasted to rise well into the alpine for Tuesday morning, but other factors may keep the upper snowpack cool, lowering avalanche danger. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how the snowpack will react to the forecast weather. A small change in the upper snowpack could dramatically change avalanche conditions.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, possible clearing through the night. No new snow/rain expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 2000 m.

TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, with possible valley cloud. No new snow/rain expected. Light variable wind. Freezing level rises to around 2600 m. 

WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy. Up to 10 cm of snow is possible at high elevations overnight and through the day. Light to moderate west riddetop wind. Freezing level falling to around 1100 m. 

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Very light snow/rain expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 750 m overnight, rising to 1200 m through the day.  

Avalanche Summary

Several small loose wet avalanches have been naturally triggered in the last few days by warm temperatures, short periods of sunshine, and rain. 

If you venture into the mountains, please share any observations on the Mountain Information Network. 

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow or a melt freeze crust likely exists to mountain top. The crust may break down as temperatures rise, and on south facing slopes as the sun pokes out.

The upper snowpack consists of hard wind pressed surfaces and a series crusts. 

The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded. 

Terrain and Travel

  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

With freezing levels rising into the alpine, the surface snow may become moist or wet, and natural and rider triggered loose wet avalanches could become likely. 

The size of these avalanches will be mostly influenced by how deep the loose snow is. 

  • If there is a solid, supportive crust on the surface, avalanches will be unlikely. 
  • If the temperature is above zero, the sun is on a slope, and there is very little wind to keep the surface cool, avalanches will become more likely. 

Pay close attention to conditions as they change through the day, the conditions you experience could be anywhere between the two extremes mentioned above. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2022 4:00PM

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