Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Mar 1 – 2, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions continue. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely.

Stick to simple, non-avalanche terrain without exposure to overhead slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    +50 cm of storm snow and strong winds have built reactive slabs. Deeper deposits are expected in north and east facing terrain around ridgelines.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, natural slab avalanches were reported up to size 1.5. Explosive control in the region produced storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5.

With more snow and wind in the forecast expect natural and rider-triggered storm slabs on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

50 to 70 cm of storm snow overlies a crust at lower elevations and wind-affected surfaces in the alpine and exposed treeline. Dry loose sluffing from steep terrain features is likely.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated. The recent snow has improved travel conditions at lower elevations, but many obstacles, such as sticks and rocks, lurk just below the surface.

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Snow 10 to 20 cm. Ridgetop wind 15 gusting to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing levels 500 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level hovers around 500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level hovers around 500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Regions covered