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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 6th, 2023–Apr 7th, 2023

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

Regions

Vancouver Island, East Island, North Island, South Island.

Keep decision making conservative in this break in the storm.

Watch for reactivity in wind affected features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity is expected to have occurred throughout Thursday and Thursday night as snow, wind and rain hammer the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Above 1000m, over 50 cm of storm snow can likely be found, redistributed into deeper deposits on north facing terrain features by strong southerly winds.

Storm snow has fallen over settling snow at high elevations. Heavy rain (or wet snow) has likely saturated the snow surface and lower elevations. As freezing levels fall on Friday this may freeze into a hard crust.

The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy, with another 25 cm possible overnight. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels between 1200-1500 m.

Friday

Snow/rain eases early morning. Skies remain cloudy with up to 5cm possible in isolated areas. Moderate southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m.

Saturday

Snow returns, 15 cm for most areas. Strong southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m.

Sunday

Moderate snowfall continues. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels rise towards 1500 m.

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.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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.