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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 7th, 2022–Apr 8th, 2022
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Overnight freezing level change, rain and snow leaves uncertainty over how the snowpack will react. 

During times of uncertainty lean on a conservative approach to terrain, cautious mindset and constantly make observations while you travel.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels. Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Freezing levels fall from 2500 m to around 1200 m by morning. Precipitation will fall mainly as rain and may transition to snow. 10-30 mm is expected, tapering off early morning. Strong southwest winds. 

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with continued snowfall of around 5 cm. Freezing levels remain around 1000 m. Moderate westerly winds. 

SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing levels around 800 m. Moderate westerly winds.

SUNDAY: Clearing skies with scattered flurries possible. Freezing levels remain below 1000 m. Light westerly winds. 

Avalanche Summary

High freezing levels and a mix of rain and snow overnight may produce a natural avalanche cycle. 

On Tuesday, widespread size 1 wet loose avalanches were observed in the afternoon. This MIN report describes a size 2.5 storm slab which had occurred during the storm and is visible from the highway. 

Observations are very limited this time of year. If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network. 

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 mm of precipitation overnight with falling freezing levels will create a mixed bag of conditions on Friday.

The lowest elevations will may hold wet surface snow or a crust from overnight rainfall. As elevation increases, precipitation will begin as rain and turn to snow. Up to 30 cm is possible at the highest elevations, which will likely be deposited into wind loaded features on north and east facing slopes by strong southwest winds over a new melt freeze crust. 

Another widespread and supportive crust is buried 50-90 cm deep, below recent settling storm snow. This crust has been previously reactive to human and natural triggers. 

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

Terrain and Travel

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 30 mm of wet snow or rain will add to previous storm totals of 50-90 cm sitting on a reactive crust that has produced large avalanches in the last 3 days. 

Storm snow is expected to be sensitive to human triggers and avalanches may involve the most recent snowfall, or the settling storm snow from the past week.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices have grown large during the recent storms and may remain weak from warm temperatures. Falling cornices are hazardous and may trigger slabs avalanches on the slopes below. 

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2