Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 21st, 2023–Apr 22nd, 2023

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

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: East Island, North Island, South Island, Vancouver Island, West Island.

Forecast rain to mountain tops on Saturday may rapidly destabilize the recent snow and increase the likelihood of triggering recently formed storm slabs.

Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported on Thursday. However, observations in this region are currently very limited.

Observations are very limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast rain to mountain tops on Saturday may rapidly destabilize the recent snow and trigger a wet loose avalanche cycle.

10-25 cm of recent snow and extreme southerly wind on Thursday formed fresh storm slabs. The new snow overlies a rain crust that likely extends to mountain tops in many areas.

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

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with flurries; 3-15 cm(rain below 1000 m) / 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 0 C / Freezing level 1100 m

Saturday

Rain; 3-10 mm / 50 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 5 C / Freezing level rapidly rising to 2100 m

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-10 cm / 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 2 C / Freezing level 1300 m

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud / 10 km/h west ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 4 C / Freezing level 1600 m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

10-25 cm of recent snow and extreme southerly wind on Thursday formed fresh storm slabs that may be reactive to human triggers, especially in wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Forecast rain to mountain tops on Saturday may rapidly destabilize the recent snow and trigger a wet loose avalanche cycle.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5