Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Mar 8 – 9, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

***UPDATED***

Greater than expected snowfall at Tetrahedron provincial park, hazard may be considerable in this area with reactive storm slabs.

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.

Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind slabs may remain reactive on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Cornices are large and may fail with daytime heating. Cornice failures act as heavy triggers and can trigger large avalanches on slopes that a single rider would not trigger.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Monday.

Check out a recent North Shore Snowpack Update for a visual description of what the snowpack may look like in this region.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and may fail with daytime heating.

Sun crust on sunny aspects. 100-130 cm of snow last week and shifting strong winds formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects at treeline and above. These slabs are sitting on either hard surfaces and/or small facets.

The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled, strong, and consolidated.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear skies / Light south ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline 0 C / Freezing level 700 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline 5 C / Freezing level 1100 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny / Moderate southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline 6 C / Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Light south ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline 2 C / Freezing level 600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

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