Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Mar 6 – 7, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

While winds have generally been light, slabs are still reactive in specific features

Use caution around ridgelines, steep slopes and minimize exposure to southerly slopes in strong sun

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent storm snow may still react as a slab in wind affected features at higher elevations. Watch for deeper and more reactive slabs near ridgelines.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Loose snow avalanches are still possible in steep terrain. Manage your sluff and always have an exit plan.

    Be aware of the potential for wet avalanches on steep, sun affected slopes, especially where rocks or trees are present.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday size 1-1.5 naturally triggered avalanches were observed in specific features. Recent avalanches have been failing on within the recent storm snow (35-50 cm deep), or deeper on buried crusts in more inland terrain.

Reports indicate the upper snowpack is generally increasing in strength, however reactivity is expected to remain in specific areas like steep terrain or wind loaded features.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow appears to generally be settling and beginning to bond to the widespread crust below. Light wind effect may be found in some terrain, creating deeper deposits around ridgelines.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated. While the recent snow has improved travel conditions at lower elevations, many obstacles, such as stumps and rocks lurk just below the surface.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Clear skies. 10-20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at sea level.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny with some cloud. 20-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 500 m. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30-40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 700 m. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 40-50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises to 1200 m. Treeline temperature may reach 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

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