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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 6th, 2021–Apr 7th, 2021

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

Regions

South Coast Inland.

Storm slabs are expected to become increasingly reactive throughout the day as the new snow piles up. Snowfall amounts are expected to be less in the north. In areas that see less than 15 cm of new snow, the danger rating is likely MODERATE.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night - Mainly cloudy / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m

Wednesday - Snow, 10-15 cm for the north of the region, and up to 30 cm in the south / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / 

freezing level 1200 m

Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1000 m 

Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1200 m

Avalanche Summary

Fresh snow and strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh storm slabs that will likely become increasingly reactive throughout the day, especially in the south, where up to 30 cm may accumulate.

A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm. 

Snowpack Summary

About 10-15 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate throughout the day in the north of the region, while the south may see up to 30 cm. Strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh and reactive slabs.

The new snow sits on a crust in most areas, except on north aspects above about 1500 m where it sits on either wind slabs or soft snow.

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.

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.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.