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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 6th, 2021–Apr 7th, 2021

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

Regions

South Coast.

Stormy conditions are expected to build fresh and reactive storm slabs throughout the day. Choose conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking and recent avalanches.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night - Increasing cloud with a few flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -2 / freezing level 900 m

Wednesday - Snow, 20-30 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 1000 m

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

Friday - Snow, 15-20 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 700 m 

Avalanche Summary

High snowfall amounts with strong southwest winds on Wednesday are expected to form fresh slabs that are likely to become increasingly reactive throughout the day as the snow piles up.

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

20-30 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate above 1000 m on Wednesday. Rain is expected below 1000 m. Strong southwest wind is expected to form fresh and reactive storm slabs throughout the day.

The new snow will add to the 15 to 25 cm of recent fresh snow in the central/north of the region, and 5 cm along the North Shore. On sun-exposed aspects and below about 1400 m, the new snow sits on a crust.

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

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

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.