Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 23 – 24, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Keep an eye on surface conditions throughout the day. Minimize your exposure to slopes with wet and heavy snow or where the surface crust begins to break down.

Watch for pockets of wind affected snow in the alpine.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs could still be found in high alpine terrain, where dry snow has been redistributed onto north and east facing slopes. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Rising freezing levels and periods of strong sunshine throughout the day will create increased likelihood of triggered wet avalanches primarily on south facing slopes.

Confidence

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast We are confident about the possible sizes of avalanches, should one release; what is less certain is the likelihood of triggering.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Skies clear overnight with light westerly winds turning easterly. Freezing levels fall to 500 m. 

THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light to moderate southerly winds. Freezing levels reach 1500 m. 

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate southerly winds and freezing levels around 1500 m.

SATURDAY: Light snowfall overnight and throughout the day, freezing levels 1500-2000 m. Moderate to strong southerly winds. 

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a widespread cycle of loose wet avalanches were reported on all aspects and elevations affected by warm temperatures.

On Monday natural and human triggered wind slab avalanches up to size two were observed throughout the region. 

Snowpack Summary

As temperatures drop, a melt freeze crust will extend into the alpine on all aspects. Expect moist snow at low elevations below the freezing line, and on south facing slopes as the sun comes out. Dry snow can be found at alpine elevations, likely redistributed by strong southerly winds into wind loaded features on north/east facing slopes. 

A melt-freeze crust from mid March exists down 30 to 60 cm on all aspects below 1500 m. The mid and lower snowpack is thought to be well settled and strong at this time. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.

Regions covered