Avalanche forecast

South Coast

Feb 26, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Heightened avalanche conditions exist in the alpine where recent snow and strong winds have built fresh wind slabs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Storm snow and moderate southwest winds have built stubborn wind slabs at higher elevations. Investigate how the new snow is bonding to the underlying crust before committing to your line.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported on Sunday, however, we expect users who head into the backcountry on Monday will see evidence of a small natural wind slab avalanche cycle that occurred during the storm.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 15 cm of snow blankets the coast mountains. In most areas, the storm snow overlies a widespread crust. At the highest elevations, buries old wind affected snow surfaces.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated, and likely still moist from the recent rain. Conditions remain rugged at lower elevations, with a shallow snowpack.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing levels drop to 500 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing levels hover around 500 m.

Tuesday

Increasing clouds with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing levels hover around 500 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with snow switching to rain, accumulation 30 to 40 cm above the rain-snow line. Freezing level 500 m rising to 1500 m. 80 to 100 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. 

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.

Regions covered