Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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South Coast.

Winter continues with another round of new snow - watch for reactive storm slabs at all elevations. Stick to conservative terrain and minimize your exposure during heavy snow or wind.

If you see more than 40 cm of new snow by midday Monday, danger is HIGH. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack. We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Strong south/south easterly winds. Freezing levels remain around 1000 m for the night, but fall to 500 m by morning. 

MONDAY: Snow begins early morning with 20-40 cm expected. Freezing levels reach 1300 m. Strong southeast winds ease over the day. A further 20 cm is possible overnight. 

TUESDAY: Cloudy up to 5 cm of snow over the day. Freezing levels reach 1000 m. Moderate westerly winds. 

WEDNESDAY: Clearing skies with no snowfall expected. Moderate southeast winds. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m.  

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Saturday. Small wet avalanches were observed on sun affected slopes on Friday afternoon. 

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

Snowpack Summary

30-60 cm of storm snow is expected by Monday afternoon. This will likely form reactive storm slabs at all elevations above the freezing level. Deeper deposits are expected in west and north facing terrain features at higher elevations, as strong south-southeast winds are forecast. 

Several thin crusts exist on south facing slopes from recent sunshine, and a widespread and supportive crust is now buried 60-120 cm deep. Reports suggest these crusts are currently bonding well with the layers around it. 

The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong at this time, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will build over the day as snowfall totals increase. Expect reactivity as storm snow falls on a variety of surfaces including a crust on south facing slopes. Lower elevations may see rain or mixed precipitation. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2022 4:00PM

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