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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 23rd, 2023–Apr 24th, 2023

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

Regions

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

Expect spring-like conditions at low elevations and winter as you head towards mountain peaks.

Watch for wind slabs at higher elevations, especially where fresh, dry snow can be found.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A rider-triggered avalanche was reported on Friday around 50 cm deep on a convex roll. Check out the MIN post for more details. This indicates a poor bond between the recent storm snow and the old snow surface, especially in wind-loaded features.

We expect that natural avalanches also occurred throughout this storm, primarily from steep terrain and wind-loaded features.

Observations are very limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

Dry snow may still be found at the highest elevations, transported into deeper deposits on north-facing terrain features, by strong southerly winds. As elevation decreases you are likely to find a mix of denser snow and crusts from recent rain. This recent storm snow sits over a widespread crust that extends to most mountain peaks.

Below treeline elevations hold previously saturated snow that has likely refrozen in many areas from cooling temperatures. In terrain where a thick refrozen crust exists - avalanche activity is unlikely.

The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 5-10 cm. Easing southwest wind. Freezing levels around 1300 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate westerly wind. Freezing level 1600 m. Treeline temperatures around 4 °C. No snowfall expected.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny with freezing levels rising near 2000 m. Treeline temperatures around 6 °C. Moderate westerly winds. No snowfall.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with freezing levels rising to 2500 m. Moderate westerly winds. Flurries possible.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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.