Avalanche forecast

Northwest Coastal

Mar 18 – 19, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable

Highlights

Begin your day early and steer clear of avalanche terrain while daytime warming and sun effect weaken a supportive surface crust.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Persistent slab avalanches remain possible, especially later in the day as the surface crust deteriorates and surfaces become moist from daytime warming and/or solar effect.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Expect wet loose avalanche activity to increase with daytime warming and solar effect.

    These may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger-than-expected avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

A widespread melt-freeze crust exists on the surface. Expect the crust to deteriorate, and the surface snow to become moist at lower elevations and south-facing terrain throughout the day.

Several weak layers, including crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar exist approximately 90 and 180 cm below the surface.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural, skier, and explosive-triggered large persistent slab avalanches were reported over the weekend. Reports suggest remotely triggered avalanches remain possible.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 0 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow at higher elevations. 20 to 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday

Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

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