Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Apr 12 – 13, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Minimize your exposure to steep, south facing slopes.

Rising temperatures will increase the potential for wet avalanches. Hazard is expected to reach considerable on sun affected slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggers. Around ridgelines, deeper deposits can likely be found on north facing slopes.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Expect wet slab and wet loose avalanches on all steep, sun affected slopes as temperatures rise. Avalanches are expected to initiate easily on the crust below.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday reactive slabs were observed on all steep slopes, reactive to human triggers. On Saturday, we expect sunshine and warm temperatures to create ideal conditions for wet snow avalanches.

If you head into the backcountry, please submit any observations or photos to the Mountain Information Network, observations are limited in the spring.

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm of recent snowfall is moist to wet from warm temperatures and sun. This snow will likely slide easily on the widespread crust below.

Below treeline elevations have minimal snow cover, if any at all. Expect challenging travel conditions with hazards like rocks, stumps and open creeks.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear skies. 10-20 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Freezing level climbs overnight to 2300 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 10-15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches a high of +9 °C. Freezing level remains around 2500 m.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. 20-40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level drops over the day to 2000 m.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level around 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Regions covered