Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Coastal.
Carefully assess your line for wind slab hazard. Remember that small avalanches can have large consequences in the wrong terrain.
Cornices are large and exposure to them should be minimized, especially during warm or sunny weather.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear, no precipitation. 25-40 km/h wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures drop to -10 C.
THURSDAY: Sunny, no precipitation. Light wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures reach -3 C.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny, some high cloud, no precipitation. Light wind from variable directions, treeline temperatures reach -1 C.
SATURDAY: Mainly clear, no precipitation. Light variable wind, treeline temperatures reach 0 C.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural wind slabs (size 2-3) were observed in the alpine on Monday and Tuesday as a result of northeasterly outflow winds. These wind slabs mainly occurred on west-facing slopes.Â
Over the weekend there were a few large natural cornices, wind slab, and dry loose avalanches (size 2-2.5).
Snowpack Summary
Open terrain has been affected by strong outflow wind that has scoured east-facing slopes and loaded snow onto west-facing slopes. Sheltered areas may still have soft snow. Below 1200 m, a widespread crust exists on the surface. Above 1200 m, 40 to 80 cm of settled storm snow rests on a hard melt-freeze crust from late March. The snow has been bonding to this crust.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent outflow wind has left slabs on west and south-facing slopes in the alpine and near ridgetops at treeline. These slabs could remain reactive to human triggering for a few more days.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Cornices
Cornices are large this time of year and may have been weakened by recent cold temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5