Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 7th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Avoid avalanche terrain as snow, wind and rain are set to continue, particularly at high elevations.
Sensitive storm slabs are expected to form at higher elevations, especially in wind-affected terrain. At low elevations, surface conditions may remain moist - creating ideal conditions for wet avalanche activity.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There are limited field observations since the storm. We expect a widespread natural cycle of loose and slab avalanches to have occurred throughout the recent heavy snow and rain.
Natural activity may continue as the storm progresses.
Snowpack Summary
Below 1000 m rainfall has saturated the snowpack. Moist surface snow will most likely remain as rainfall continues at low elevations.
Above 1000m, between 70 and 100 cm of storm snow can be found sitting with higher accumulations towards the west coast. Above 1500 m snow is mostly dry and has been redistributed into deeper deposits on north-facing terrain features by strong southerly winds. Between 1000-1500 m a mix of dry and moist snow can be found.
The storm snow sits over a melt-freeze crust at mid-elevations, and over settling dry snow at high elevations on shaded slopes. The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with snow and rain starting late evening, around 40 cm possible by morning above 800 m. Moderate southwest winds.
Saturday
Snow returns, 30 cm possible. The snow line is likely to be around 800 m in the morning but raises to near 1500 m by the afternoon when precipitation will likely be wet snow or rain except for the higher peaks. Strong to extreme southwest winds.
Sunday
Heavy snowfall is expected, around 80 cm is possible above 1000 m. Strong to extreme southerly winds.
Monday
Cloudy with light southwest winds. No snowfall is expected. Freezing levels around 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggers, especially as more snow is expected overnight and throughout Saturday. Avoid alpine terrain where heavy snow will rapidly load start zones. Treeline and below will likely receive a mix of wet snow and rain. Minimize overhead hazards, and avoid steep, open slopes, and wind-loaded features.
At low elevations where precipitation fell mostly as rain, wet avalanches are possible. Back off slopes that hold wet or slushy surface snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 8th, 2023 4:00PM
