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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 12th, 2023–Apr 13th, 2023

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

Regions

Vancouver Island, East Island, North Island, South Island, West Island.

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on lee aspects at treeline and above.

Watch for recently formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday. However, observations are currently very limited in this region.

Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust likely exists on all aspects below 1400 m. Above 1400 m, dry snow has likely been redistributed into deeper deposits on north-facing terrain features by strong southerly winds.

The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.

At lower elevations, the snowpack was recently rain soaked.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Mostly cloudy / 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -3 C / Freezing level 700 m

Thursday

Cloudy with isolated flurries; 3-10 cm / 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 0 C / Freezing level 1000 m

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud / 30 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 2 C / Freezing level 1300 m

Saturday

Snow(rain below 1000m); 10-20 cm / 50 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 2 C / Freezing level 1300 m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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.