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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 9th, 2023–Apr 10th, 2023

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

Regions

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

Carefully assess snow conditions as you move through terrain. Storm slabs are most likely to remain reactive where recent precipitation fell as dry snow. The largest and most reactive slabs will be found on lee and cross loaded features.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Friday and Saturday, avalanche activity included natural and human triggered size 1-2; storm slabs and loose dry at dry upper elevations and wet slabs and loose wet at lower elevations where precipitation fell as wet snow or rain.

Snowpack Summary

Around 25-50 cm of heavy, wet new snow exists between 1000-1400 m. Above 1400 m, dry snow has likely been redistributed into deeper deposits on north-facing terrain features by strong southerly winds. Below 1000 m, rain has saturated the snowpack.

The storm snow sits over a melt-freeze crust at mid-elevations, and over settling dry snow at high elevations on shaded slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Cloudy with a few flurries possible. Strong southwest winds easing to moderate. Alpine low -2 C. Freezing level around 900 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow possible. Light to moderate southwest winds. Alpine high -1 C. Freezing level around 1100 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest winds. Trace amounts of snow possible. Alpine high -2 C. Freezing levels around 1000 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. Light southwest winds. Alpine high 0 C. Freezing levels around 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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.