Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Pockets of wind slab may remain triggerable by riders in lee features near ridgetop.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few small, wet loose avalanches were reported on Monday. As well as some large cornices failing naturally.
Snowpack Summary
5 to 10 cm of recent snow blankets soft and/or moderately wind-affected layers. The top 30 cm of soft snow sits over a crust up to 2000 m and wind-hardened surfaces at higher elevations.
A second crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep and may have a layer of surface hoar sitting above it. There is uncertainty over its reactivity. It is most likely to be a concern in wind-affected, thin, and rocky start zones at higher elevations.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Snow depths at treeline are roughly 100 to 150 cm.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 3000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1800 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 20 km/h Northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Keep in mind a buried crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind slabs on a variety of aspects including reverse-loaded terrain features at upper elevations. Be wary of thin or rocky start zones where wind slabs may sit over weak facets or a slippery crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Sheltered slopes that get the sun may become wet with warm temperatures.
Aspects: East, South East, South.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5