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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 27th, 2021–Mar 28th, 2021

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

Regions

South Coast Inland.

 

There is uncertainty with forecast precipitation amounts Saturday night through Sunday. If snowfall amounts materialize as forecast in the south of the region, then the avalanche danger will certainly be High. Avalanche danger may one step lower in the north part of region with less snowfall forecast.

Confidence

Low - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY Night: Snow, accumulation 10-15 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures -2 C.

SUNDAY: Snow, accumulation 5-15 cm in the north of the region and 15-25 cm in the south near Coquihalla Summit, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1200 m with treeline temperatures around -4 C.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwest wind, freezing level 1100 m with treeline temperatures around -5 C.

TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks, light northwest wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Friday was limited to loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 from steep terrain facing the sun.

Expect to see an increase in storm and wind slab avalanches on Sunday as new snow accumulates and the wind blows strong from the southwest. 

 

Snowpack Summary

New snow falling Saturday night and Sunday sits above a widespread hard crust or moist snow, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.

Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

Terrain and Travel

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.