Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Strong solar radiation will likely impact the recent storm snow.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, wind, and sun exposure.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, skiers triggered small storm / wind slabs on steep convexities at treeline and dry loose avalanches on steep sheltered slopes throughout the region. A natural avalanche cycle occurred Tuesday night during the storm where numerous slabs and loose dry avalanches (size 1 to 2) were triggered over steep northerly alpine terrain.
Snowpack Summary
20 to 40 cm of recent snow is found above 1600 m with greater amounts in northerly alpine terrain. This overlies a moist snow surface or a crust on all aspects, except north-facing slopes above 2000 m where dry snow remained. Recent reverse-loading has redistributed snow into southerly alpine slopes. The storm snow is rapidly settling at treeline and becoming moist on solar aspects.
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
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 25 to 35 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Saturday
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Sunday
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Strong solar radiation will affect the recent storm snow. Wet loose avalanches will become likely throughout the day, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes where recent snow overlays a melt-freeze crust.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Human-triggering wind slabs will remain possible on steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features. As recent wind varied in direction, watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
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