Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Forecast snowfall amounts are extremely variable throughout the region. Pay close attention to how much snow falls in your riding area and be prepared to back-off to simple terrain.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Watch for wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Rain on Saturday may weaken the snow surface and loose wet avalanches in steep terrain may be possible. Be aware that wet slides can entrain mass quickly.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Avoid steep slopes if temperatures are warm or solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Summary
In the short term, new snow and wind will promote new wind slab activity on Saturday while rain at lower elevations may trigger loose wet avalanches in steep 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
New snow and wind on Saturday are expected to form fresh wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Depending on aspect and elevation, the new snow will likely overlie moist snow, a melt-freeze crust or settled storm snow from earlier in the week.
Rain is expected to fall at lower elevations where a dwindling spring snowpack exists.
Weather Forecast
Saturday: 10-20cm of new snow / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1300m
Sunday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 1900m
Monday: Clear skies / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 2400m
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.
New snow and wind will promote new wind slab development in upper elevation lee terrain. Watch for triggering behind ridge crests and in gullies.