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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 11th, 2023–Apr 12th, 2023

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

Regions

South Coast Inland, Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, Stein, Taseko.

Don't let good weather lure you into dangerous terrain.

Dry storm snow may be seeing its first test of strong sun, and avalanche danger could increase rapidly.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a large (size 2-3) skier-triggered wind slab occurred on a northwest aspect in the alpine in the Duffey on Blowdown Peak. Details can be seen in this MIN report.

Large wind slabs were easily triggered by skiers on Monday. A size 2.5 skier-triggered wind slab was reported in the Duffey. This avalanche occurred on a northeast aspect in the alpine in steep, rocky, wind-affected terrain. A second size 2 skier-triggered wind slab was reported in the South Chilcotins. This avalanche was triggered remotely from an adjacent slope in south-facing alpine terrain. Two large (size 2-3) natural wind slabs were observed from east-facing alpine and treeline terrain.

Looking forward to Wednesday, we suspect that rider triggerable wind slabs may still be found at treeline and above. Strong solar input has the potential to rapidly destabilize the dry surface snow. Back off steep sun-exposed slopes and avoid overhead exposure during periods of strong sun.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 60 cm of recent storm snow and strong southerly winds have formed wind slabs on west through east aspects at upper elevations. These winds have also formed large cornices. A crust exists on or near the surface on all aspects at treeline and below.

A crust from early April can be found down 30 to 60 cm on all solar aspects and at treeline and below on north-facing terrain. Below this crust, the mid-pack is generally well settled.

The base of the snowpack remains faceted and weak. Avalanche activity has not been observed on this layer recently but concern remains for shallow rocky snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Clear periods with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -11 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -3 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level rises to 1600 metres.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind light from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1500 metres.

Friday

Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind light from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1700 metres.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.