Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Spring means extra caution on south-facing slopes. Avoid exposing yourself to hazard from large slopes or cornices overhead while its sunny or warm. And watch for pockets of wind slab in high alpine terrain.
Avalanche Problem 1: Cornices
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.
- Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.
- Avoid steep slopes below cornices.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Warm temperatures or a bit of sun on Friday may weaken the snow surface. Loose wet avalanches on steep southerly features and near rocks may be possible. Be aware that wet slides can quickly gain mass and grow large.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid steep slopes if temperatures are warm or solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Avalanche Summary
Earlier in the week, skiers could easily trigger small loose wet avalanches on Monday. Natural loose wet avalanches were also observed in treeline and alpine terrain, particularly on solar aspects. More details here.
Over the weekend, large slab avalanches were also observed on the North Shore mountains that may have released during the storm last Friday. Read MIN report here
Further north near Squamish reports indicated sun-induced natural activity on Sunday in alpine terrain.
With information regarding avalanche activity and snowpack conditions becoming evermore sparse this time of year, we would very much appreciate it if you spend a moment to submit any observations you have to the Mountain Information Network here, even if it is just a photo.
And we wish to thank those of you who have shared your recent observations. Thanks!
Snowpack Summary
Above about 1200 m, 30 to 60 cm of moist snow sits on a predominant crust that formed at the beginning of April. Below this the snowpack is well-settled and strong. Read more here.
At lower elevations (~1000 m) a spring snowpack exists.
Weather Forecast
TONIGHT: Increasing cloud. Ridge wind light, southwest. Temperature at treeline near +2. Freezing level 1500 m.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy. Ridge wind moderate, south. Temperature at treeline near +1. Freezing level 1500 m lowering to 1000 m. Rain changing to snow beginning in the evening and overnight. Precipitation 30-40 mm.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy, snow ending. Accumulation 5-10 cm. Ridge wind light to moderate, west. Temperature at treeline near -1. Freezing level 1200 m.
SUNDAY: Sunny. Ridge wind light, northeast. Temperature at treeline near +3. Freezing level increasing to 1800 m.
Avalanche Forecasts in your Inbox
Avalanche Canada has switched to an RSS feed for its daily forecasts. This is a much more flexible method that allows automatic delivery to your email inbox, or to an RSS reader of your choice.
What are RSS feeds?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a popular standardized file format allowing up-to-date delivery of web-based content. RSS feeds enable you to receive content updates from websites, delivered to your email through an RSS aggregator (such as blogtrottr.com) or viewed through applications called RSS readers (such as feedly.com).
Set up an RSS feed for your email:
Select a RSS aggregator
- South Coast URL:
http://www.avalanche.ca/api/forecasts/south-coast.rss - Copy the url and paste it into the appropriate field of your RSS aggregator.
- Fill in your email address.
- Voila! Watch the Avalanche Canada forecast roll into your inbox.
Forecast Disclaimer
Avalanche Canada's Public Avalanche Bulletin, and other information and services provided by Avalanche Canada, are intended for personal and recreational purposes only.
**THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IN NO EVENT SHALL THE PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM DISCOMFORT, INJURY, OR DEATH, CLAIMS BY THIRD PARTIES OR FOR OTHER SIMILAR COSTS, OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE INFORMATION.**
The user acknowledges that it is impossible to accurately predict natural events such as avalanches in every instance, and uses the data in this bulletin with this always foremost in mind. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and the Providers disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use the data.
Warm temperatures and high freezing levels may weaken cornices. Give them a wide berth if traveling above or below them.