Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 25th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Coast, Vancouver Island, North Shore, Sasquatch, Tetrahedron, Powell River, East Island, North Island, South Island, West Island.

A rising freezing level will increase avalanche hazard. Use extra caution near cornices and reduce exposure to steep slopes as the snow surface moisten.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

The weekend saw many loose wet avalanches that were triggered naturally and by riders. We expect that similar avalanches will occur this week as freezing levels rise, bringing warm air, some rain, and sun.

Avoiding cornice exposure is also a good idea, as they will weaken with warm air and could fail naturally or under the weight of a human.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is moist to mountain tops from warm air and rain. The remainder of the snowpack is strong and well-bonded.

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Increasing clouds with rain for northern Vancouver Island, accumulation 2 to 5 mm, 20 km/h west wind, treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level 2700 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with morning rain, accumulation 2 to 5 mm and up to 10 mm for central and north Vancouver Island, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level 2500 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny with no precipitation, 10 km/h variable wind, treeline temperature 10 °C, freezing level 3500 m.

Friday

Sunny with no precipitation, 10 km/h variable wind, treeline temperature 15 °C, freezing level 3900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices are large at this time of year and will become more prone to fail as they warm up with spring weather. Stay well back from them when on ridgelines and limit your exposure when travelling on slopes below them.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanche activity is expected to continue with daytime warming and during periods of rain or strong sun. Limit your exposure to steep terrain when the snow starts feeling sloppy.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2023 4:00PM