Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 16th, 2022–Apr 17th, 2022

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

Regions

South Coast.

Danger ratings are low, but always be on the lookout for wind slabs at higher elevations and weak overhanging cornices. 

Check in with surface conditions as you travel. Even short bursts of sunshine can increase danger on sun affected slopes. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light southeasterly winds. A trace of snow is possible. Freezing levels drop to 500 m. 

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny with moderate southeasterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m. Isolated flurries are expected to bring trace amounts. 

MONDAY: Snow begins early in the morning with 10-30 cm expected, freezing levels reach 1300 m. Strong southeast winds. Snow continues overnight with 20-30 cm possible. 

TUESDAY: Cloudy with flurries over the day. Freezing levels reach 1000 m. Moderate to strong westerly winds. 

Avalanche Summary

Small wet avalanches were observed on sun affected slopes on Friday afternoon. 

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

Snowpack Summary

Spring convection has delivered highly variable amounts of storm snow above a melt freeze crust found on sun affected slopes. Periods of sun may soften or break down the crust throughout the day where it exists on the surface. Wind affected snow can be found mainly on west facing slopes at treeline and above, from recent easterly winds. However local wind patterns may have varied.

A widespread and supportive crust is buried 10-40 cm deep. Reports suggest this crust is currently bonding well with the layers around it. The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong at this time, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • 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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.