Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Avalanche danger will increase throughout the day on Friday as new snow and wind will form unstable slabs at upper elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported on the west side of the island. On the east side of the island there have been reports of small wet loose avalanches on slopes facing the sun over the past few days. Storm and wind slabs will be the main concern as new snow accumulates.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 40 cm of new snow will fall on Friday, with deeper deposits in lee terrain. In most areas this snow is falling on moist or crusty snow layers, except shaded terrain above roughly 1600 m where the snow has remained dry over the past week. The middle and lower snowpack are strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday night

Cloudy, scattered flurries starting after midnight with 5 to 10 cm of snow, 40 to 50 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures around -4 °C with freezing level dropping to 400 m.

Friday

Flurries increasing in intensity in the afternoon, 20 to 40 cm of snow, 60 to 80 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures around -2 °C with freezing level around 400 m.

Saturday

Scattered flurries with 5 to 10 cm of snow, 30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -2 °C with freezing level around 500 m.

Sunday

Scattered flurries with 5 cm of snow, light wind, treeline temperatures around -1 °C with freezing level around 600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
  • Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New slabs will rapidly form on Friday. Pay attention to snowfall rates and to where the wind is depositing snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2023 4:00PM