Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 7th, 2021–Apr 8th, 2021

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

Regions

South Coast Inland.

Fresh snow amounts are variable across the region, and may have formed reactive wind slabs on many aspects due to changing wind directions. 

Keep in mind that even brief periods of sun could initiate avalanche activity in the new snow.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night - Flurries, 5-10 cm / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -8 / freezing level at or near valley bottom

Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1200 m

Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1200 m 

Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1200 m

Avalanche Summary

Reactive wind slabs may be found on a variety of aspects due to changing wind directions.

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

Snowpack Summary

About 10 cm of new snow accumulated throughout the day on Wednesday, and another 5-10 cm is expected on Wednesday night. Moderate to strong winds from a variety of directions are likely forming wind slabs on many aspects.

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

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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.

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.