Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Powell River, Sea To Sky, Spearhead, Stave, Tantalus.
The wind has switched from mostly southerly to northerly, so expect to see windslabs on a variety of aspects.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Most recent avalanche activity has been reported as size 1-1.5 wind slabs in the alpine.
There was a report of a natural size 3 persistent slab avalanche in the Brandywine area last Saturday evening. This was on a northeast aspect at 1750m. More details can be found here.
Snowpack Summary
Recent new snow is being redistributed by moderate to strong winds blowing primarily from the southwest then switching to north and northeast.
A crust that formed in late January with small facets above it, can be found at all elevations down 40-100 cm. This crust has been reactive to rider traffic in the Rhododendron and Pemberton Icefield area. Additionally, a crust with facets above, found 80-200 cm deep and 1900m and below in elevation has recently been reactive in the Brandywine area.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mainly cloudy clear periods and isolated flurries, Light to moderate northeast wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Light to moderate northwest wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate northeast wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light northerly wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow combined with moderate to strong winds from a variety of directions have promoted new wind slab formation on a variety of aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Two weak layers consisting of a crust with small facets above buried between 50 and 180cm deep, have been responsible for several large avalanches in the past two weeks. This problem seems to be more of an issue west of the Sea to Sky highway corridor.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3