Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, Sky Pilot, South Coast, Stave, Tetrahedron.
Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. On Tuesday, this includes small pockets of wind slab in immediate lees of ridgecrests and moistening snow on steep solar aspects during periods of strong sun.
Spring is a dynamic time of year where conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack throughout the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Lots of loose dry sluffing was reported in MINs over the weekend. A couple of small (size 1) skier-triggered storm slabs were reported in immediate lees of ridgetops and convexities.
If you head out in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with us on the Mountain Information Network!
Snowpack Summary
A moist or crusty surface has likely formed on southerly aspects and below 1000 m. 30 to 50 cm of recent snow (above 500 m) appears to be bonding well to an underlying melt-freeze crust. The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Mostly cloudy. Light variable wind. Alpine low -4 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. Light easterly wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Light southwest wind increasing to moderate. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday
5-10 cm of new snow. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 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.
- Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely on steep solar aspects as the surface becomes moist or wet with strong sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Wind Slabs
Recent snow has seen mild wind effect. Wind slabs have been soft and specific to immediate lees of ridge crests. They may remain triggerable by riders on Tuesday.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5