Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 14 – 15, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Recently formed slabs could be triggered by riders on Monday. Cornices are weakening and be cautious on sun-exposed slopes if sunny skies prevail.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recently formed wind slabs could be triggered by riders on Monday. The most likely terrain to find them is on leeward, steep slopes adjacent to ridges.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Cornices may weaken when the sun is shining. Also use caution on steep, sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day, as the recent snow may weaken and form loose wet avalanches.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -11 C.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 10 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -8 C.

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 20 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

We haven't yet received word of avalanche activity from Sunday's storm, but it is likely that wind slabs built over the day and could have been triggerable by the end of the day. Perhaps we will hear of observations once the skies clear on Monday. Looking forward, wind slabs could still be triggered by riders on Monday. Sun-exposed slopes and cornices will also weaken during daytime warming.

Snowpack Summary

Around 5 cm of snow accumulated on Sunday, falling with moderate to strong southerly wind. Wind slabs may remain in leeward slopes at treeline and alpine elevations. The snow overlies previously wet snow or a hard melt-freeze crust, with the exception being on high-elevation northerly aspects where the snow surface was dry but wind-affected. The sun may shine on Monday, moistening sun-exposed slopes and weakening cornices.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

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