Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Garibaldi, Harrison-Fraser, North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, Sky Pilot, South Coast, Stave, Tantalus, Tetrahedron.
Triggering storm slab avalanches is likely at upper elevations.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few small (size 1) human-triggered slab and loose avalanches were reported on Monday.
Over the weekend there were several human-triggered storm slab avalanches, including a close call on Mt Seymour. Two snowshoers were caught in a size 2 avalanche on a south aspect at treeline. One was partially buried and the other was fully buried. Details of the avalanche can be found here and the rescue here.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 60 cm of new snow from Tuesday is settling, leaving reactive storm and wind slabs at upper elevations. This snow sits above a thin crust at lower elevations. A total of 150 cm of snow from the past week has likely settled and become well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with brief sunny breaks. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C with freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C with freezing level climbing to 3000 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +10 °C with freezing level climbing to 3500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
30 to 60 cm of fresh snow from Tuesday has left slabs that will likely be reactive in steep terrain, especially on wind-loaded slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5