Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Changing conditions are expected and a complex snowpack is hidden under the storm snow.
Carefully manage your exposure to overhead hazards during periods of sun.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Debris from natural and human-triggered avalanches (cornice falls, wind and storm slabs) from the stormy weekend continue to be reported along Duffey Lake Road. Small wet avalanches also occurred with brief strong solar radiation.
Two large persistent slab avalanches (size 2–2.5) were observed, failing naturally on the early March weak layer and stepping down to mid-February on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
The region received 10 cm of new snow this weekend, totaling 80 to 150 cm of recent storm snow. Southerly winds have formed deeper deposits of wind-transported snow into lee features and a thin sun crust is buried in the top 15 to 20 cm.
This sits on a weak layer formed in early March that consists of facets or surface hoar that overlie a crust on all aspects except high north-facing slopes. Two very large natural avalanches (up to size 3.5) were reported on this layer last Friday, one of them running to valley bottom.
Weak layers formed in mid-February and late-January are now buried 100 to 175 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly clear. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mostly clear and increasing cloudiness in the afternoon. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and wind have created fresh wind slabs. Use caution as you transfer into wind-affected terrain, as these slabs are still reactive to riders.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches will be likely on steep sun-exposed slopes. Avoid overhead hazard from steep sunny faces during the warmest parts of the day.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers remain a concern in north-facing terrain where snowpack depth is variable. There's still uncertainty about avalanches stepping down to these layers, potentially triggering very large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3