Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches remain a concern on north-facing alpine slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
One small (size 1) wind slab avalanche was human-triggered on Tuesday.
While there has been minimal avalanche activity over the past week, professionals in the region are still weary of the persistent slab problem.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of snow has accumulated over a widespread crust, resulting in a mix of soft and hard surfaces.
A significant crust/facet layer is buried 80 to 150 cm deep. It was very reactive to human triggering during the first half of March and still produces concerning snowpack test results. It has become a low-probability high-consequence problem on northerly aspects above 2000 m.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 15 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 5 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
- Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Concern remains for human-triggering a persistent weak layer on sheltered north aspects above 2000 m. If triggered, avalanches will be large and destructive. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3