Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Sky Pilot, Spearhead, Tantalus.
Solar input and rising temperatures in the alpine may trigger a natural avalanche cycle on solar slopes.
Avoid steep, rocky, wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, numerous natural windslab avalanches were reported up to size 2. Several skier-triggered size 1 wind slab avalanches were reported in alpine terrain features. Wind slab avalanches primarily occurred on westerly and southerly aspects between 1700 and 2200 m.
Snowpack Summary
Shifting winds have redistributed 20 cm of snow into wind slabs on various aspects in exposed areas.
This new snow overlies a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, faceted snow or surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas.
An otherwise right-side-up snowpack appears to be bonding well to a crust buried 70 to 100 cm deep. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and bonded with no layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Clear. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Monday
Mainly sunny. 25 to 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. An above freezing layer develops between 1700 and 2500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1700 and 2500 m.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1700 and 2700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent northerly winds are redistributing available snow into fresh wind slabs on lee slopes. Previous shifting winds created slabs on a variety of aspects. Individually evaluate wind effect on slopes as you move through the terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
With rising temperatures and solar input loose wet avalanche activity is likely to increase throughout the day. Back off slopes as the snow surface becomes wet or moist.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2