Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Apr 1 – 2, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

Heavy snow and strong winds will result in dangerous avalanche condidtions.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Heavy snow and strong winds beginning Monday night will produce a widespread storm and wind slab problem.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

We anticipate natural avalanche activity to increase with forecast heavy precipitation and strong winds.

Snowpack Summary

New snow has buried a widespread crust on all south-facing and below-treeline terrain. Weak facets or surface hoar may exist just below the new snow in sheltered north-facing terrain features.

Various weak layers, including crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar exist approximately 50 to 100 cm below the surface. An additional crust and facet layer may be found 100 to 150+ cm below the surface. These layers are trending into dormancy, however, lingering concern remains for human-triggering these persistent weak layers.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with 20 to 40 cm of snow. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Regions covered