Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Apr 4 – 5, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong solar radiation will likely impact the recent storm snow.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, wind, and sun exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Human-triggering wind slabs will remain possible on steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features. As recent wind varied in direction, watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Concern remains for human-triggering a persistent weak layer on sheltered north aspects above 2000 m. If triggered, avalanches will be large and destructive. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Strong solar radiation will affect the recent storm snow. Wet loose avalanches will become likely throughout the day, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes where recent snow overlays a melt-freeze crust.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, skiers triggered small storm / wind slabs on steep convexities at treeline and dry loose avalanches on steep sheltered slopes throughout the region. A natural avalanche cycle occurred Tuesday night during the storm where numerous slabs and loose dry avalanches (size 1 to 2) were triggered over steep northerly alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 40 cm of recent snow is found above 1600 m with greater amounts in northerly alpine terrain. This overlies a moist snow surface or a crust on all aspects, except north-facing slopes above 2000 m where dry snow remained. Recent reverse-loading has redistributed snow into southerly alpine slopes. The storm snow is rapidly settling at treeline and becoming moist on solar aspects.

The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 80-150 cm deep. While no recent avalanche activity has been observed on this layer, it continues to produce concerning snowpack test results. It has become a low-probability, high-consequence problem on north-facing slopes above 2000 m.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy. 25 to 35 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

Saturday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Sunday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.

Regions covered