Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 7th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Another storm will impact the South Coast ranges Saturday and could extend into this region.
Dial back your terrain choices if there is more than 25 cm of recent snow where you are riding.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Wet loose avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported at all aspects and all elevations with warm weather on Thursday in the region.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10 cm of heavy wet snow can be found at upper elevations. Moist snow or crusty surface formed up to 1800 m on all aspects due to elevated freezing levels Thursday. This overlies on a variety of surfaces, including melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, wind-affected snow on open slopes and leeward features. Snow at low elevations is rapidly melting out. The mid and lower snowpack consists of several old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Wet, warm & windy conditions are expected to impact the region as two more storms will roll into the South Coast ranges Saturday and Sunday.
Friday night
Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5-10 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.
Saturday
Snow. 10-15 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level steady at 1300 m.
Sunday
Rain 20-30 mm. Heavy snow at upper elevations only. Strong southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level steady around 1800 m.
Monday
Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 40 km/h. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level lowers to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Upcoming precipitations and strong southerly winds will continue to develop wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs may not bond well to the underlying surfaces, especially if a melt-freeze crust is present. Rider-triggerable avalanches will be possible, on steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Rain and above-freezing temperatures have weakened the snowpack at low elevations, which may remain weak until a solid crust forms. Watch for unstable snow on steep terrain, where loose avalanches are likely to get triggered.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 8th, 2023 4:00PM
