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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2023–Apr 18th, 2023
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, South Coast, Stave, Tetrahedron.

A natural avalanche cycle is expected during the incoming storm. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Stormy conditions are increasing the likelihood of a natural avalanche cycle. Riders reported touchy storm slab and loose wet avalanches on Sunday, which may also occur during Tuesday's storm.

Snowpack Summary

Stormy conditions continue on Tuesday, bringing periods of strong snowfall that could trigger a natural avalanche cycle. The snow will build over 40 to 60 cm of snow that accumulated since Sunday. All of this snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust up to at least 1000 m and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes and perhaps small surface hoar crystals on shaded slopes sheltered from the wind.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, 30 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 800 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, 30 to 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 900 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with snowfall then afternoon clearing, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, 30 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1100 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Stormy conditions will bring periods of rapid snow loading, which could trigger a natural avalanche cycle.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations will increase the likelihood of wet loose activity. The most problematic elevations are likely near the freezing level, where snow accumulates and is then soaked by rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5