Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, Sky Pilot, South Coast, Stave, Tetrahedron.
Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Spring is a dynamic time of year where conditions can vary widely and change rapidly.
Carefully assess your local conditions and consider how the weather affects the snowpack.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend, lots of loose dry sluffing was reported in MINs. A couple of small (size 1) skier-triggered storm slabs were also reported in immediate lees of ridge tops 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 over the last few days. 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 snowpacks are strong and well-bonded.
Weather Summary
A vigorous frontal band will arrive on Wednesday evening. Wet, warm & windy conditions are expected to ease on Friday before the following warm front impacts the region over the weekend.
Tuesday night
Mostly clear. Light southwesterly wind. Alpine low -5° C. Freezing level around 800 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Light southwest wind increasing to moderate. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level around 900 m.
Thursday
Snow at higher elevations, rain at lower elevations. Local amount 30-40 mm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 50 km/h. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1500 m. Heavy precipitations at night 30-40 mm.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1100 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.
- Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
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 rider-triggerable, especially on steep, unsupported and / or convex terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5