Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Sky Pilot, Spearhead, Tantalus.
Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Minimize exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, several, size 1 and size 2 loose wet avalanches were reported, triggered by warm temperatures and solar input. As temperatures cool Wednesday night avalanche activity is expected to subside.
On Monday, a size 1 skier-triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on an east aspect at 1800 m. The wind slab overlay a layer of small surface hoar 25 cm deep.
Snowpack Summary
At 2200 m and below, a melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects. In the alpine and exposed treeline, this crust overlies wind-affected surfaces. On sheltered north aspects, the crust overlies faceted snow. Above 2200 m dry snow may remain preserved on northerly aspects.
10 to 30 cm down is a small weak layer of surface hoar or facets. This layer remains a concern in isolated areas where a wind slab overlies it.
An otherwise right-side-up snowpack appears to be bonding well to a crust buried 70 to 100 cm deep. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and bonded with no layers of concern.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Increasing cloud. 35 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels drop to 900 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with light flurries, 1 cm. 15 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing levels drop to the valley bottom.
Friday
Mainly sunny. 20 to 25 km/h northerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Increasing cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Reports of wind slab avalanche activity are decreasing however where windslabs overlie a weak layer of facets or surface hoar they may remain reactive to human triggering.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5