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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 21st, 2023–Apr 22nd, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
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, human triggered possible.
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, Sky Pilot, Tetrahedron.

Choose mellow slopes that are not exposed to the wind, and consider travelling on ridgetops or wide benches to avoid exposing yourself to avalanche danger from above. Storm slabs remain reactive to rider traffic.

Spring is late to arrive! Snowpack conditions at treeline and above are still very wintery.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

During this week, storm snow was generally reactive to human traffic (e.g., as seen here during Tuesday's storm), and in this Mountain Information Network post from the SkyPilot area.

We expect that similar avalanches could be triggered by riders on Saturday within the storm snow from Thursday night through Saturday. Best to give the snowpack a bit more time to settle and bond before committing to consequential terrain.

Avoiding cornice exposure is also a good idea, as they are very large and looming at this time of year.

Snowpack Summary

Storm totals will reach 20-40 cm by the end of the day on Saturday, maintaining storm slabs that started forming on Friday night. This adds to the 100 cm of snow that accumulated over the week. Strong southerly wind was blowing overnight on Thursday which means deeper and touchier deposits may be found in lee terrain features in wind-exposed terrain.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong and well-bonded.

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy. 0-5 cm of snow expected. Snow/rain line between 750 and 1000 m. Treeline low around -3°C. Light southwest ridgetop wind.

Saturday

Cloudy. 2-5 cm of snow expected. Snow/rain line between 1000 and 1200 m. Treeline high 0 °C. Light to moderate south or southwest ridgetop wind.

Sunday

Cloudy. Moderate rain, 15 to 20 mm overnight, and 2 to 5 mm through the day. Snow/rain line between 1500 and 2000 m. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind.

Monday

Low cloud. Light snow/rain. Snow/rain line between 1000 and 1500 m. Light northwest ridgetop wind.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Choose relatively conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Avoid terrain traps where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • 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.