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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 8th, 2021–Apr 9th, 2021

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

Regions

South Coast.

Snowfall amounts may vary significantly across the region, in areas that see less than 15 cm of new snow on Friday, the danger is likely moderate.

In areas receiving heavy snowfall, storm slabs are expected to become increasingly reactive throughout the day.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night - Cloudy with clear periods / moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -5 / freezing level 500 m

Friday - Snow, 20-25 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 900 m

Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m 

Sunday - Mainly sunny / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 1600 m

Avalanche Summary

Fresh storm slabs are expected to build and become increasingly reactive throughout the day.

We haven't received many observations for the South Coast region in the past few days. If you get out, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network to help us know what conditions are like.

Snowpack Summary

20-25 cm of new snow is expected to fall on Friday, bringing this week's storm snow total to about 30-40 cm. Strong southwest winds are expected to accompany the new snow, likely forming fresh and reactive slabs in many areas. 

The recent storm snow sits on a crust on sun-exposed aspects, and on all aspects below about 1400 m. It likely fell on either wind slabs or soft snow on north aspects above 1400 m.

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.