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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 25th, 2022–Mar 26th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Vancouver Island.

Fresh snow provides fresh potential for building wind slabs at higher elevations. Expect reactivity as new snow will sit over a crust. 

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow overnight. Moderate southerly winds and freezing levels around 1200 m. 

SATURDAY: Cloudy, 5 cm over the day, freezing levels rise to 1500 m. Moderate southerly winds. 

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. 5-10 cm of snow over the day with light southwest winds. Freezing levels 1500-2000 m. 

MONDAY: 5-10 cm possible overnight. Clearing skies with scattered flurries. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels rise toward 2000 m. 

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday backcountry users reported evidence of an extensive loose wet cycle from the past few days, in alpine and treeline features to size 2. 

If you venture into the mountains, please share any observations on the Mountain Information Network. 

Snowpack Summary

New snow falls over a melt freeze crust on all aspects and elevations. Moist snow may be present at elevations below the freezing line. The snowpack below is considered well settled and strong. In most areas snowpack depths at below treeline elevations are below threshold for avalanche activity. 

A recent MIN report describes the state of the snowpack. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.