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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 16th, 2023–Apr 17th, 2023

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

Regions

South Coast, Powell River, North Shore, Sasquatch, Sasquatch, Tetrahedron.

Recent heavy snowfall has left dangerous avalanche conditions across the region. Carefully investigate the bond of storm snow and give it time to strengthen before committing to avalanche terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

We suspect natural avalanches occurred during the peak of the storm on Sunday and will remain possible for human triggering on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Sunday's cold front will have left 30 to 50 cm of new snow, with the deepest amounts expected to be in areas immediately next to the coast. Storm snow will overlie a crust on all terrain except north-facing slopes above 1000 m. The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing 10 cm of snow above 500 m, up to 20 cm possible around Sasquatch, 30 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures drop to -5 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with flurries starting mid-afternoon with 5 to 10 cm of snow by the evening, 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing roughly 10 cm of snow above 500 m, 20 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures around -2 °C.

Wednesday

Scattered flurries bring another 10 to 15 cm of snow by midday, then clearing in the afternoon, 30 to 40 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature climbing to 0 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Choose slopes that are well supported and have limited consequence.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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.