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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 20th, 2023–Mar 21st, 2023

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

Regions

Vancouver Island, East Island, North Island, South Island, West Island.

Use caution around freshly wind loaded pockets of dry snow at higher elevations.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches have been reported in areas that received strong sunshine and warm temperatures over the weekend. Check this MIN out for a great overview of recent conditions.

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

5-10 cm of dry wind affected snow may be found in the alpine. Strong southeast winds may build deeper deposits of dry snow in lee fatures. A melt-freeze crust covers solar aspects at all elevations. Moist surfaces cover all aspects below treeline.

The middle and lower snowpack are consolidated and strong, containing numerous thick and hard melt-freeze crusts.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Light southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature low 0°C. Freezing levels 1300 m.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Light southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature +2°C. Freezing levels 1600 m.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny. Light south winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature +3°C. Freezing levels 1800 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate south winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Although their spatial distribution is isolated, wind slabs are reactive.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

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.