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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 8th, 2021–Apr 9th, 2021

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

Regions

Sea To Sky.

Snowfall amounts may vary significantly across the region, in areas that see less than 15 cm of new snow on Friday, the danger is likely moderate.

In areas receiving heavy snowfall, storm slabs are expected to become increasingly reactive throughout the day.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night - Cloudy with scattered flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -9 / freezing level at or near valley bottom

Friday - Snow, 15-25 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1000 m

Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -8 / freezing level 1200 m 

Sunday - Mainly sunny / light north wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 m 

Avalanche Summary

Fresh storm slabs are expected to build and become increasingly reactive throughout the day.

A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm. On Sunday, there were a few size 1-1.5 human triggered wind slab avalanches reported. This MIN describes triggering a small wind slab in large terrain. There were a few small dry loose avalanches reported on Tuesday. There were no new avalanches reported on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of snow is expected to accumulate throughout the day on Friday, bringing the total this week to about 25-40 cm. Strong southwest winds are expected to accompany the new snow, likely forming fresh and reactive slabs in many areas.

The recent storm snow sits on a crust on sun-exposed aspects, and on all aspects below about 1600 m. It likely sits on soft snow or wind slabs on north aspects. 

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
  • 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.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.