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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 14th, 2022–Apr 15th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Vancouver Island.

Stay aware of changing conditions and make observations as you travel.

Watch for reactive wind slabs at higher elevations, and remember the potential for surface snow to lose cohesion when the sun is out.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength. Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

A cool and unsettled flow will affect coastal regions into the weekend. Convective flurries are expected in isolated areas and may be heavy at times. 

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloud with light northerly winds. Freezing level drop to 500 m. Overnight flurries bring up to 5 cm. 

FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light southerly winds. Freezing level rises to 1000 m. Light snowfall in the afternoon bringing 5-10 cm for most areas, with locally heavier accumulations possible in isolated terrain. 

SATURDAY: Increasing cloud with moderate easterly winds. 2-10 cm of snow expected. Freezing levels rise to 1100 m.

SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with increasing southeasterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1100 m. Isolated flurries are expected to bring trace amounts. 

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday small point releases and sluffing were observed in the recent storm snow out of steep features to size 1. Check out this MIN report on recent conditions in the Beadnell area.

Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow of 20-60 cm has begun to settle over a widespread crust. Winds have switched from southwest to northeast; wind affected snow can now be found on all aspects at treeline and above. 

Watch for large, overhanging cornices when travelling on or below ridgelines. Reports suggest they are large and weak, and could fail from your weight.

Several crusts exists in the upper snowpack, some widespread and some limited to solar aspects. These crusts may act as sliding surfaces for avalanches, however reports suggest that snow is bonding well to the crusts. The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong at this time, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.