Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Mar 29 – 30, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Watch for rapidly changing conditions on sun affected slopes - recent storm snow may slide easily on the crust below.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch for small but reactive pockets of wind slabs on north facing terrain features. Slabs sit over a crust and while reports suggest new snow is bonding well, greatest reactivity is likely to be found in wind affected features.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Loose wet avalanches are most likely on steep, sun affected slopes. Avalanches may initiate easily on the smooth crust below.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Small wet avalanches were produced on Thursday. Looking forward, riders may be able to trigger wind slabs at higher elevations - above the freezing line, and wet avalanches on south facing slopes affected by strong sunshine.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of recent (but moist) snowfall can be found sitting over a widespread crust. Reports indicate that the new snow is bonding well with the old snow surface. Wind effect can be found at higher elevations, with deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes.

Strong sunshine on Saturday is expected to create wet surface conditions on all south facing slopes.

Check out this great MIN report.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear skies with no snow or rain. Freezing level remains around 1500 m overnight. 10-20 km/h northeast winds.

Saturday

Sunny with a few afternoon clouds. 10-20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level steady around 1600 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind, with strong gusts at higher elevations around 60 km/h. Freezing level begins the day at 1600 m and rises to 3000 m by afternoon, bringing treeline temperatures to +12 °C.

Monday

Sunny with 60 km/h northwest winds. Freezing levels remain around 3000 m with treeline temperatures near +12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet

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