Avalanche Forecast

High

Avalanches of all trigger types have been reported over the past several days. Slabs have been failing up to a meter deep.

Notably on Tuesday, one avalanche resulted in a person being fully buried for a lengthy time (check this MIN for details) and another was a near-miss for a snowmobiler. (Photo below)A very large (size 3) naturally triggered cornice was also observed near Whistler. The cornice triggered a subsequent slab below. (Photo below)

35 to 80 cm of snow accumulated from the last storm is overlying a persistent weak layer that developed in late January. In most areas, this layer consists of a hard slippery crust. However, on shady, upper-elevation slopes, the new snow may be resting on faceted grains or surface hoar. Wind-affected snow and wind slabs formed by recent shifting wind can be found on various aspects at upper elevations. The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded with no other layers of concern.

Thursday Night

Clear skies. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Sunday

Sunny. 5 to 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use conservative route selection and resist venturing into complex terrain.
• Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
• Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.