Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 3rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast, Vancouver Island, North Shore, Sasquatch, Tetrahedron, Powell River, East Island, North Island, South Island, West Island.

Expect cornices to be fragile with all the heat they've been exposed to and for wet avalanches to be possible during the heat of the day. Be well aware of any overhead exposure.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Expect wet loose avalanches and cornice failures during periods of warm air and sunny skies. Avoiding steep slopes when the snow feels sloppy and avoiding cornice exposure are good travel habits. Avalanches could be very large and travel far, meaning you should limit exposure to overhead avalanche terrain.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is moist to mountain top and is unlikely to freeze overnight. The remainder of the snowpack is strong and well-bonded.

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Weather Summary

Thursday has a freezing level near 3400 m with a mix of sun and cloud. Stormy conditions arrive Thursday night into Friday, with strong rain and a freezing level declining to 1900 m. Saturday's freezing level is near 1400 m with upwards of 10 to 20 cm of snow expected at higher elevations and rain below.

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, or solar radiation is strong.
Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.

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

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanche activity is possible with daytime warming and during periods of strong sun. Limit your exposure to steep terrain when the snow feels sloppy.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: May 4th, 2023 4:00PM