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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 1st, 2024–Apr 2nd, 2024

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

Regions

Sea To Sky, Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Powell River, Spearhead, Tantalus, Sky Pilot.

April fools, winter returns! Adjust your mindset and pay attention to changing conditions. Storm slabs will become increasingly reactive as new snow accumulates throughout the day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the past few days, several rider-triggered wind slabs were reported from north-facing alpine terrain (size 1-1.5). Numerous wet loose avalanches were also reported from steep, sun-exposed slopes.

Conditions will change on Tuesday as strong winds and new snow impact the region. Watch for fresh, reactive storm slabs building throughout the day and be especially cautious in leeward terrain.

Snowpack Summary

New snow accumulates on top of moist snow or a crust on all aspects and elevations except north-facing alpine where the snow remains dry.

The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 150-250 cm deep and is currently considered unreactive.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with periods of light precipitation. Ridgetop winds southwest 15 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy with rain turning to snow, 10 to 25 cm of accumulation. Ridgetop winds 40 to 70 km/h from the southwest. Treeline temperature drops to -1 °C. Freezing level drops to 1500 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperature rising to 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • As the storm slab problem gets trickier, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.