Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
While avalanche activity is generally unlikely due to a supportive melt-freeze crust, continue to use caution in areas where a weak basal facet layer exists - steep, rocky terrain with variable snow depths.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A large (size 2.5) deep persistent slab avalanche was reported yesterday in the South Chilcotin range. It was triggered naturally at roughly 2200 m on a south-facing slope.
Wet-loose avalanches up to size 1.5 have been reported daily during the recent warm, sunny weather.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
On the surface is a widespread melt-freeze crust existing on all aspects at treeline and below, along with solar aspects at all elevations. This crust is unlikely to breakdown Thursday with cooler temperatures and cloud cover forecast. The surface snow in northerly-facing alpine terrain remains generally cold and dry.
The middle of the snowpack is generally settled and bonding, with no current concerns.
At the base of the snowpack is a layer of weak, sugary facets, reportedly up to 50 cm thick.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Clear with cloudy periods. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing level 500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, with isolated flurries. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Cloudy, with flurries. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Light south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1300 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Light south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
A layer of weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most likely to be problematic in steep, wind-loaded terrain where the snowpack depth varies from thick to thin. Especially in the northern part of the region around the Chilcotins, Birkenhead, and Hurley.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5