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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 1st, 2024–Mar 2nd, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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

Stick to conservative terrain this weekend. Recent storm slabs will likely remain sensitive to rider triggering, especially in wind-loaded terrain features at upper elevations.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle was observed up to size 2 over the past few stormy days. Most were on north to east aspects at treeline and above.

Even as natural activity tapers on Saturday, rider-triggered avalanches remain likely.

Snowpack Summary

50 to 100 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by wind at upper elevations. The recent snow sits over a crust on all but high north aspects.

Below the crust, the snowpack is moist and generally well consolidated. A facet/crust layer in the mid snowpack was put to the test by the significant new snow load and it does not appear to present an avalanche problem at this time.

Below treeline areas have now received enough snow to produce avalanches. Watch for "early season" type hazards such as shallowly buried stumps, rocks and creeks.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Partly cloudy with isolated convective flurries possible. 30 to 40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 300 m.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated convective flurries possible. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 15 to 30 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 600 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.