Avalanche forecast

Vancouver Island

Mar 16 – 18, 2018VIAC
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1
    It will be possible to trigger solar aspects especially at treeline during the heat of the day. Natural avalanches are possible from steep rock faces. These avalanches are likely to be small in size. (Size 1).

Confidence

High - Stable weather pattern.

Travel & Terrain Advice

Daytime solar input will weaken surface layers and fragile cornices. Avoid solar aspects later in the day and give cornices a wide berth above and below. As always, avoid exposure to terrain traps, as even a small avalanche could have large consequences.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of new snow from last week in the alpine, with lesser amounts below. All aspects below 1500m and solar aspects above have experienced daily melt freeze cycles. Crusts have been breaking down in the late morning or early afternoon. Snowpack below surface layers is well settled. Cornices in exposed ridgetop terrain have continued to grow.

Snowpack Details

Surface: Dust on crust and melt freeze. Upper: Settled and bonded snow above 1700m and melt freeze crusts below. Mid: Well settled. Lower: Well settled.

Past Weather

Fairly benign weather recently. Light flurries above 1200m with accumulations up to 10cm. Winds have been light from the SE mainly. Freezing levels fluctuating from sea level up to 1600m with daytime warming.

Weather Forecast

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, light NW winds, mild temperatures and freezing levels up to 1600m. Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud light SE winds, mild temperatures and freezing levels up to 1500m. Sunday: Light flurries, light variable winds, cooling temperatures and freezing levels to 1200m.

Regions covered