Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 12th, 2022–Apr 13th, 2022

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Vancouver Island.

Assess for slab development before committing yourself to consequential terrain. Treat the danger as a step higher if you find 30+ cm of fresh snow in your riding area.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 30 to 40 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 1100 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 10 to 20 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy with afternoon snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

We didn't receive any reports on Monday. This MIN describes recent dry snow as being reactive but only producing small avalanches. Looking forward, the most likely area to trigger an avalanche is in steep, wind-loaded terrain features. Areas that received 20+ cm of new snow should be wary of storm slabs too.

Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Variable amounts of snow accumulated over the day on Tuesday, from 5 to 25 cm with associated strong wind from various directions. More snow is forecast for Tuesday night, which may bring storm totals to 10 to 40 cm. New wind slabs likely formed in exposed terrain at higher elevations and storm slabs may have formed in terrain sheltered from the wind, particularly where 20+ cm accumulated. The snow fell on previous dry snow which all sits on a hard melt-freeze crust buried around 30 to 60 cm deep.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.

Terrain and Travel

Carefully evaluate bigger terrain features on an individual basis before committing to them.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found in steep terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations from new snow and strong, variable wind. The recent snow may have also formed storm slabs in sheltered terrain, particularly where 20+ cm of snow accumulated on Tuesday. Evaluate for slab formation prior to committing to large features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2