Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Powell River, Sea To Sky, Sky Pilot, Spearhead, Tantalus.
Watch for reactive wind slabs as your search for dry snow.
Minimize your exposure to sun baked slopes. Sun and rising temperatures will increase potential for wet avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Sun and rising temperatures produced loose wet activity on many steep slopes. We expect this to continue as temperatures remain high.
On Thursday, reactivity to human triggers was reported near ridgelines within the new wind affected storm snow. This may continue in high elevation, north facing terrain features. Cornice falls have also been reported, triggering slabs on the slopes below.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of moist or wet snow exists on sun affected slopes to around 2500 m, and shaded aspects to around 1900 m. This surface snow may not refreeze overnight leading to soft and slushy conditions, ideal for wet snow avalanches. On north facing slopes near ridgelines, deposits of dry snow can be found, affected by the previous strong southwesterly winds.
Below treeline elevations have minimal snow cover, if any at all. Expect challenging travel conditions with hazards like rocks, stumps and open creeks. Check out this MIN from Mt Price for a great summary of snow conditions.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10-20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Freezing level remains above 2500 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30-50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures range from +10 to +5 °C. Freezing level drops back to 2000 m over the day.
Monday
Increasing cloud with 30-50 km/h westerly winds. Freezing level drops to 1000 m. Treeline temperatures of -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly clear skies with 10-20 km/h northerly winds. Freezing level around 1000 m. Treeline temperatures of -5 °C
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Avalanches are most likely on steep, sun affected slopes as temperatures remain high.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggers at higher elevations where snow remains dry. On these slopes cornices can also be found, likely weak from strong sunshine and warm temperatures.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5