Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Pay attention to changing conditions. Fresh, reactive wind slabs are expected to form at upper elevations as temperatures drop and new snow accumulates.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, numerous wet loose avalanches occurred in steep, sun-exposed terrain as a result of strong sun and warm temperatures.
Conditions will change on Tuesday as strong winds and new snow impact the region. Watch for fresh, reactive wind slabs forming in leeward terrain features in the alpine and treeline.
Snowpack Summary
New snow accumulates on moist snow or a crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except high north-facing terrain.
The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 80-150 cm deep. While no recent avalanche activity has been observed on this layer, it continues to produce concerning snowpack test results. It has become a low-probability, high-consequence problem on north-facing slopes above 2000 m.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with periods of light precipitation. Ridgetop winds southwest 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with rain turning to snow, 10 to 25 cm of accumulation. Ridgetop winds 40 to 70 km/h from the southwest. Treeline temperature drops to -2 °C. Freezing level drops to 1400 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with flurries, up to 10 cm accumulation. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperature rising to 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
- Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh, reactive wind slabs are expected to build on northerly aspects at upper elevations as new snow and strong southwest winds impact the region.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Persistent Slabs
Concern remains for human-triggering a persistent weak layer on sheltered north aspects above 2000 m. If triggered, avalanches will be large and destructive. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5