Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Harrison-Fraser, North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, Sky Pilot, South Coast, Stave, Tetrahedron.
Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended on Sunday.
As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
With significant new snow and strong wind in the forecast for the weekend, we anticipate widespread avalanche activity will be very likely on Sunday.
If you are headed to the backcountry, please consider sharing your photos and observations from your day on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
By Sunday morning, storm snow totals are expected to be up to 80 cm, with an additional 25 to 50 mm of mixed precipitation expected through the day. Storm snow covers a thick a crust except on high north facing terrain, where new snow buries up to 20 cm of dense snow overlying a crust from earlier in March. Below this crust is a generally moist upper snowpack.
The mid and lower snowpack contain several crusts that are not concerning.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with heavy flurries, 20 to 50 mm of mixed precipitation. 50 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with heavy flurries, 25 to 50 mm of mixed precipitation. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level drops to 800 m.
Monday
Partly cloudy with light flurries, 2 to 4 cm of snow. 25 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with flurries, 5 to 15 cm of snow. 25 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Ongoing snow and wind will build reactive storm slabs in exposed areas at all elevations. Back off if you encounter signs of instability like whumpfing, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Forecasted precipitation may fall as a mix of rain and snow on Sunday morning. Where the precipitation falls as rain, a natural wet loose avalanche cycle may quickly result. Avoid any exposure to avalanche terrain during rainy periods.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2