Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 17 – 18, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New wind slabs may form over Thursday at higher elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    New wind slabs may form on Thursday as new snow and strong wind impact the region. Assess for the formation of slabs if you venture to steep, leeward terrain.

Avalanche Summary

A few small wet loose avalanches were triggered naturally during the heat of the day on Tuesday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed. Avalanche activity is expected to increase in the coming days as a multi-day storm impacts the region.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 30 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1700 m.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 to 40 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

Snowpack Summary

A storm starts impacting the region on Thursday, bringing some new snow and strong south wind. New wind slabs may form at high elevations in lee terrain features. The new snow will overly a melt-freeze crust up to around 1700 m and higher on sun-exposed slopes or wind-affected dry snow on northerly aspects at high elevations. Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.

Regions covered