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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 24th, 2022–Apr 25th, 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 unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Vancouver Island.

New snow could create dangerous avalanche conditions at higher elevations on Monday, be especially careful in wind-affected terrain.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with scattered flurries brining 5 to 15 cm of snow above 1000 m, 20 to 40 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around 0 C.

MONDAY: Unsettled weather with clouds and scattered flurries bringing another 5 to 15 cm of snow above 1000 m, 20 to 40 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around 0 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with up to 5 cm of snow above 800 m, 20 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around -2 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace amounts of snow above 800 m, 20 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around -2 C

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported over the weekend (by 4 pm Sunday), but observations are very limited right now. However, based on the forecast snowfall we can excpect to see some slab avalanches at treeline and alpine elevations on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

We expect a total of 20 to 40 cm of new snow above 1000 m as stormy weather continues on Monday. This snow sits on a variety of hard layers, including crusts and wind scoured snow, and may be poorly bonded to these layers. The lower snowpack is strong under the current cool weather, but large looming cornices remain a concern this time of year.

Terrain and Travel

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 25cm of new snow.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.