Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Flurries and wind will build thin, reactive deposits through the day and may hide recently formed wind slabs, use caution around cornices and lee terrain. Loose wet avalanches remain a concern, travel early and avoid moist/wet slopes.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1700 m.
MONDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5-10 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2000 m
TUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1800 m
WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light southwest wind, alpine temperature +2 C, freezing level 2000 m
Avalanche Summary
Snowballing and loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 were observed in the Duffey Lake area on Saturday.
There have been few observations in the South Coast Inland Region, however the neighboring Sea to Sky region observed a natural avalanche cycle into Saturday. Loose wet avalanches to size 2, wet slab avalanches to size 3, and large cornices failing naturally and triggering slab avalanches to size 3 on the slopes below were reported around the region.
If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it if you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Thanks!
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures and sun has produced a crust on all slopes except for high north alpine areas where a wind-pressed cold snow overlies a crust and up to 40 cm dry snow. Recent strong south winds have developed cornices and built wind slabs around treeline ridges and into the alpine. The snowpack below treeline is saturated and rapidly melting.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs have likely formed above 2000 m from recent snow and strong southwest winds. Flurries Monday may hide old slabs and develop new ones. Use caution around ridges and lee terrain features where deposits may be more reactive.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.
- New cornices will be weak and could trigger wind slabs on slopes below.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase with accumulating precipitation and a warming snowpack.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5