Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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South Coast.

A firm, supportive, upper snowpack makes avalanches unlikely. Avoid steep slopes if they are loose and slushy, and watch for small windslabs in the high alpine. Bring your crampons and ice axes.

Summary

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. Light rain/snow expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to around 900 m. 

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with some possible sun in the afternoon. Up to 5 cm of snow is possible at high elevations. Light to moderate west ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1100 m. 

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny. Very light snow/rain expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 750 m overnight, rising to 1200 m through the day.  

FRIDAY: Cloudy. Light snow/rain expected. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity is expected to be very minimal with falling freezing levels and increasing cloud. 

Several small loose wet avalanches were naturally triggered over the weekend by warm temperatures, short periods of sunshine, and rain. 

If you venture into the mountains, please share any observations on the Mountain Information Network. 

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow or a melt freeze crust likely exist to mountain top. 5cm of new snow may sit on the crust above 1000 m. The crust may break down as temperatures rise, and on south facing slopes if the sun pokes out.

The upper snowpack consists of hard, wind pressed surfaces and a series of crusts. 

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

Terrain and Travel

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Freezing levels are dropping, but mild daytime warming and spots of intense spring sun could make loose wet avalanches possible. 

The size of these avalanches will be mostly influenced by how deep the loose snow is. 

  • If there is a solid, supportive crust on the surface, avalanches will be unlikely. 
  • If the temperature is above zero, the sun is on a slope, and there is very little wind to keep the surface cool, avalanches will become more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2022 4:00PM

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