Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Wind-sheltered terrain continues to offer excellent riding conditions. Wind slabs linger near ridgetops and in cross-loaded terrain features.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A size 2 natural wind slab avalanche was reported on Sunday; in northerly alpine terrain near a ridgetop.
If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Unconsolidated powder snow continues to be found in wind-sheltered terrain. While recent northerly winds have heavily affected snow surfaces in wind-exposed terrain at treeline and above.
An old crust is present down roughly 40 to 80 cm from the surface. In isolated areas, the overlying snow may not be bonding great to this crust.
The lower snowpack consists of several layers of facets, surface hoar, and crusts, none of which appear to be an active concern currently.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear with no precipitation, northwest alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, west alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -9 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -15 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, south alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are most concerning near ridgetops, on steep south-facing terrain, and cross-loaded features like gullies or steep rollovers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2