Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Garibaldi, North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, Sky Pilot, South Coast, Stave, Tantalus, Tetrahedron.
While winds have generally been light, slabs are still reactive in specific features
Use caution around ridgelines, steep slopes and minimize exposure to southerly slopes in strong sun
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday size 1-1.5 naturally triggered avalanches were observed in specific features. Recent avalanches have been failing on within the recent storm snow (35-50 cm deep), or deeper on buried crusts in more inland terrain.
Reports indicate the upper snowpack is generally increasing in strength, however reactivity is expected to remain in specific areas like steep terrain or wind loaded features.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow appears to generally be settling and beginning to bond to the widespread crust below. Light wind effect may be found in some terrain, creating deeper deposits around ridgelines.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated. While the recent snow has improved travel conditions at lower elevations, many obstacles, such as stumps and rocks lurk just below the surface.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 10-20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at sea level.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny with some cloud. 20-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 500 m. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30-40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 700 m. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 40-50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises to 1200 m. Treeline temperature may reach 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Dry
Loose snow avalanches are still possible in steep terrain. Manage your sluff and always have an exit plan.
Be aware of the potential for wet avalanches on steep, sun affected slopes, especially where rocks or trees are present.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow may still react as a slab in wind affected features at higher elevations. Watch for deeper and more reactive slabs near ridgelines.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2