Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, Homathko, Sea To Sky, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Wind slabs continue to build and are reactive to human triggering. Natural activity may increase with sun, be extra aware of overhead hazard including cornices.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
There was a report of a large (size 2) natural slab that released on Tuesday on a solar slope.
Explosive control in the Duffey area recently produced several large (size 2-2.5) wind slab avalanches on Sunday.
These are failing at the crust or facet layer that currently exists beneath the storm snow.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of snow fell over the weekend. Generally, sheltered snow quality has been excellent, with wind redistribution occurring near ridgetops.
This recent snow is bonding poorly to an underlying weak layer formed during the January drought. Depending on aspect and elevation, the layer may exist as a hard crust, faceted grains and/or surface hoar.
The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded with no other layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear. 5 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. Calm. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. Calm. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Increasing cloudiness. Calm. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have varied in direction over the past few days, be aware when transitioning into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5