Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Wind slabs may react to human triggers around ridges and lee features. Loose wet avalanches remain a concern, travel early and avoid moist/wet slopes.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1600 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1700 m.
WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1800 m.
THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy, light southeast wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
Snowballing and loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 were observed in the Duffey Lake area on Saturday.
There have been few observations in the South Coast Inland Region, however the neighboring Sea to Sky region observed a natural avalanche cycle into Saturday. Loose wet avalanches to size 2, wet slab avalanches to size 3, and large cornices failing naturally and triggering slab avalanches to size 3 on the slopes below were reported around the region.
If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it if you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Thanks!
Snowpack Summary
A crust has developed on most slopes except for high alpine polar aspects where up to 10 cm loose, dry snow is holding on. Recent strong south winds have developed cornices and built wind slabs around treeline ridges and into the alpine.
Overnight freezing levels around 1800 m are producing a thin surface crust with increasing strength and thickness as you gain elevation. Thin crusts will quickly break down with daytime warming.
Below treeline the snowpack is saturated and rapidly melting.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
South-southwesterly winds have redistributed loose snow, be cautious of more reactive deposits around ridges and in lee terrain above 2000 m. Cornices may be touchy, give them plenty of space.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
- New cornices will be weak and could trigger wind slabs on slopes below.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will depend on the extent of overnight crust recovery and the pace at which the warms through the day.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5