Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Apr 22 – 23, 2018Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Warming and solar radiation will drive the avalanche danger in the coming days. Watch for conditions that change throughout the day, and be cautious of overhead hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    New snow and strong winds from Friday night have formed wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Although they're likely to gain strength quickly, I'd remain cautious around ridge crests and in gullies.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Warm temperatures and high freezing levels may weaken large and destructive cornices. Give them a wide berth if traveling above or below them.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Warming and solar radiation over the next few days are expected to trigger loose wet avalanches, especially in steep, sun-exposed terrain. Loose wet avalanches can be pushy and entrain mass quickly.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will develop for the forecast period bringing sunny skies and light ridgetop winds. The freezing level will hover around 2800m on Monday and then rise to about 3600m for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. In the coming days forecast warming and solar radiation are expected to trigger loose wet avalanches, especially in steep, sun-exposed terrain. Warming may also trigger destructive cornice failures.With information regarding avalanche activity and snowpack conditions becoming evermore sparse this time of year, we would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo. Thank to those of you who have shared your recent observations!

Snowpack Summary

New snow and wind on Saturday formed fresh wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. The new snow overlies settled storm snow on shaded alpine slopes and a melt-freeze crust in most other areas. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded. At lower elevations you'll find a dwindling spring snowpack and melt-freeze conditions.

Regions covered