Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

On Thursday, avalanche control teams near Courtenay conducted explosive cornice control and initiated a large (size 2.5) Cornice and loose wet avalanche.

Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle up to size 3 was reported on Wednesday. The cycle happened early this week.

New snow of up to 50 cm overlies a widespread crust found above 1100m. Below this elevation expect the upper snowpack to remain wet and unconsolidated with rain. New snow and strong south east wind will create deeper and more reactive slabs on north—and east-facing slopes, especially near ridge crests.

A robust crust, formed in early March, can be found in the mid-pack. The snow above is well bonded to this crust.

Below this, the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy with 20 to 50 cm falling as snow above 1000 m. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 15 to 30 cm falling as snow above 1000 m. 50 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm falling as snow above 1000 m. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Sunday

Clearing and Sun. No new precipitation. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.