Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Sky Pilot, Spearhead, Tantalus.
Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Ride/hike to the conditions, backcountry travel may be challenging.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
On Monday, a little northwest of the region, a small (size 1.5) skier-triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on a northwest aspect in the alpine. It failed on facets sitting on the crust buried in late January.
Snowpack Summary
Lingering wind slabs may exist below alpine ridgetops.
Above 1900 m, 10 - 40 cm of recent snow sits on a supportive crust.
Below 1900 m, recent snow amounts taper quickly and the crust increases in thickness.
Where snow still exists below treeline, it is isothermal and travel is very challenging.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -8 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. No new snow expected. Light variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -8 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to valley bottom overnight, and rising back to 1000 m through the day.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to valley bottom overnight, and rising back to 1000 m through the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2