Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Garibaldi, North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, Sky Pilot, South Coast, Stave, Tantalus, Tetrahedron.
Spring is a dynamic time of year where conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Localized convective snowfall can appear out of nowhere and even short periods of strong sun can rapidly destabilize the upper snowpack.
Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack throughout the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday and Sunday, small (size 1) skier triggered loose dry sluffs and storm slabs were reported on the north shore. Explosive work on Saturday produced storm slabs up to size 1.5 with good propagation.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 60 cm of recent snow (above 500 m) appears to be bonding well to a melt-freeze crust. The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Clear. Light northerly wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind light from the northwest. Freezing level rises to 900 m.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. Light northeast wind. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1000 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Light to moderate westerly wind. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -3 °C. Freezing level rises to 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
30 to 60 cm of recent snow may remain reactive where it sits over a crust and where it has been wind-loaded into deep deposits in leeward terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
New snow will be especially sensitive to seeing sun for the first time. Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely on steep solar aspects as the surface becomes moist or wet with strong sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2