Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Be cautious in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations. Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggering.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Observations have been limited by stormy weather. In the past few days, a few natural (size 1-2) wind slabs were observed in the alpine and treeline as well as loose wet avalanches (up to size 2) at treeline and below.
On Saturday, a large (size 2-3) skier-triggered wind slab occurred on a northwest aspect in the alpine in the Duffey on Blowdown Peak. Details can be seen in this MIN report.
We suspect that rider-triggerable wind slabs may still be found at treeline and above.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 60 cm of recent storm snow and strong southerly winds have formed wind slabs on west through east aspects at upper elevations. These winds have also formed large cornices. A crust exists on or near the surface on all aspects at treeline and below.
A crust from early April can be found down 30 to 60 cm on all solar aspects and at treeline and below on north-facing terrain. Below this crust, the mid-pack is generally well settled.
The base of the snowpack remains faceted and weak. Avalanche activity has not been observed on this layer recently but concern remains for shallow rocky snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -6 °C. Ridge wind light from the southwest. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -3 °C. Ridge wind 10 to 40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1500 metres.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level rises to 1600 metres.
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind light from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1400 metres.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow and southerly winds have formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5