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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 1st, 2023–Apr 2nd, 2023

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

Coquihalla, Harrison-Fraser, Manning, Skagit.

Spring is a dynamic time of year; conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Localized periods of heavy snowfall may form fresh, reactive storm slabs, while even short periods of strong sun can rapidly destabilize the upper snowpack.

Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Prior to this weekend's storm, avalanche activity has been confined to small wet loose avalanches from steep solars aspects below treeline.

At the time of publishing on Saturday, no new avalanches have been reported.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of new snow has arrived in the past two days, accompanied by strong southeast shifting southwest winds. Below this new snow, a melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends to mountain tops on sunny aspects. In north-facing high alpine terrain, the snow may remain cold and dry.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of a number of old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Saturday night

Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -6 °C. Ridge wind southwest 20 to 50 km/h. Freezing level drops to 100 metres.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind light from the northwest. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.

Monday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind light from the northwest. Freezing level rises to 1100 metres.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 1 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level rises to 1400 metres.

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.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.

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 Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.