Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Stormy conditions are expected to build fresh and reactive storm slabs throughout the day. Choose conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking and recent avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night - Increasing cloud with a few flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -2 / freezing level 900 m

Wednesday - Snow, 20-30 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 1000 m

Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m 

Friday - Snow, 15-20 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 700 m 

Avalanche Summary

High snowfall amounts with strong southwest winds on Wednesday are expected to form fresh slabs that are likely to become increasingly reactive throughout the day as the snow piles up.

We haven't received many observations for the South Coast region in the past few days. If you get out, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network to help us know what conditions are like.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate above 1000 m on Wednesday. Rain is expected below 1000 m. Strong southwest wind is expected to form fresh and reactive storm slabs throughout the day.

The new snow will add to the 15 to 25 cm of recent fresh snow in the central/north of the region, and 5 cm along the North Shore. On sun-exposed aspects and below about 1400 m, the new snow sits on a crust.

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 changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs are expected to build throughout the day and are likely to become increasingly reactive as the day goes on, especially in wind loaded areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind. 

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2021 4:00PM