Avalanche Forecast

An unstable onshore flow will give flurries to the BC coast with showers below 1000 metres. 

SUNDAY NIGHT: A few clouds, no precipitation, 25-40 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -2 C with freezing level around 1800 m.

MONDAY: Periods of snow beginning in the morning, accumulation 10 to 20 cm above 1000 m and rain below, 40-60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C.

TUESDAY: Snow, heavy at times, accumulation 30 to 60 cm, 40-60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C with freezing level at 1800 m.

WEDNESDAY: A mix of snow and rain, accumulation 40 to 50 cm, 50-70 km/h south wind, alpine temperature +1 C with freezing level at 1900 m.

A few wind slabs, cornice and loose dry avalanches were triggered naturally, by riders, and explosives on steep lee terrain features over the last few days. Avalanche activity is likely to increase on Monday with warm temperature, new precipitation and high wind, especially in the alpine and at treeline.

New snow in the last few days (25-40 cm) have formed wind slabs in lee terrain features due to strong southerly wind. Storm slabs may still exist in terrain sheltered from wind. Below about 1200 m in parts of the region close to the coast, the precipitation fell as rain, producing a hard melt-freeze crust. This recent precipitation adds to the 100+ cm of snow that has fallen since January 1, which may overly sugary faceted grains that formed during the cold spell in late December.

Around 150 to 250 cm deep, a weak layer of faceted grains may be found above a melt-freeze crust that formed in early December. The layer is most prominent between 1700 and 2100 m. Observed avalanches on this layer are sporadic and isolated, suggesting that this layer has become dormant. The most likely place to trigger it would be in thin, rocky snowpack areas.

The lower snowpack is well-settled and strong.

• Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
• Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.