Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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South Coast.

A storm will increase danger above the snow-rain line. Carefully assess for changing conditions as the day progresses.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, 20 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1200 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -1 C, freezing level 1200 m.

SUNDAY: Early-morning snowfall then clearing, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, 20 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -4 C.

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy, 20 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported over the past few days. Looking forward, avalanche activity may spike during the storm.

 

Snowpack Summary

A storm will bring snow above around 1200 m and strong southwest wind. Around 10 to 20 cm is expected to accumulated by Saturday afternoon, forming new storm slabs in sheltered terrain and wind slabs in exposed terrain at high elevations. The snow may take a few days to bond to a melt-freeze crust. Below the rain-snow line, rain will soak an already moist snowpack.

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may form over the day above the rain-snow line as snow accumulates. Wind slabs may form in exposed terrain from strong southwest wind. These slabs may not bond well to an underlying hard melt-freeze crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2021 4:00PM

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