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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 29th, 2022–Mar 30th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Coastal.

Keep an eye on the weather. New snow and wind will likely form storm and wind slabs throughout the day.

Confidence

Moderate - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Stormy with up to 5cm of new snow and moderate to strong south winds. Low of -1 at 900 m.

Wednesday: Stormy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. Moderate southwest winds. Freezing level around 1100 m.

Thursday: cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow with light southerly winds. Freezing level around 1100 m.

Friday: stormy with 10 to 15 cm of new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast winds and freezing levels around 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

OnMonday two large natural cornice falls were observed in the north of the region. They triggered wind slabs on the slope below. A few natural wind slab avalanches were also observed in this part of the region.

Two large natural icefalls were observed at Bear Pass.

In the Terrace area wet loose avalanches up to size two were observed on all aspects and elevations except high north.

Snowpack Summary

New storm and wind slabs will likely form throughout the day. A crust can be found at or near the surface on all aspects and elevations except high north terrain. Moist snow will likely be observed at lower elevations and could result in wet loose avalanches.

A weak layer of surface hoar from mid March buried 70-120 cm deep can still be found but is considered dormant in the Terrace area. In the far north of the region it continues to produce large avalanches.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.