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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 16th, 2023–Apr 17th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Recent heavy snowfall has left dangerous avalanche conditions across the region. Carefully investigate the bond of storm snow and give it time to strengthen before committing to avalanche terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

We suspect natural avalanches occurred during the peak of the storm on Sunday and will remain possible for human triggering on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Sunday's cold front will have left 30 to 50 cm of new snow, with the deepest amounts expected to be in areas immediately next to the coast. Storm snow will overlie a crust on all terrain except north-facing slopes above 1000 m. The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing 10 cm of snow above 500 m, up to 20 cm possible around Sasquatch, 30 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures drop to -5 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with flurries starting mid-afternoon with 5 to 10 cm of snow by the evening, 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing roughly 10 cm of snow above 500 m, 20 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures around -2 °C.

Wednesday

Scattered flurries bring another 10 to 15 cm of snow by midday, then clearing in the afternoon, 30 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature climbing to 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Choose slopes that are well supported and have limited consequence.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs are widespread. They should bond relatively quickly once the storm eases, but human-triggering will remain a concern on steep and wind-loaded slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Cornices

Recent snowfall and southerly wind have grown cornices and made them more likely to fail.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3