Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 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. Steep slopes may be suspect if they are in the sun. Bring your crampons and ice axes.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Very light snow/rain expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to around 800m. 

THURSDAY: Mostly sunny at high elevations with low to mid level cloud. Very light snow/rain expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to around 1200 m through the day.  

FRIDAY: Cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected at high elevations. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1000 m.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with a sunny break mid-day. Light variable ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported before 4 pm on Wednesday.

Avalanche activity is expected to be very minimal with cooler temperatures, a surface crust, and limited solar input.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, and have photos, conditions, avalanche observations, or even just funny stories to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network.  

Snowpack Summary

A melt freeze crust likely exists from treeline 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 during sunny periods.

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.
  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • 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 have dropped, but mild daytime warming and periods 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 likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2022 4:00PM

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