Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Powell River, Sea To Sky, Spearhead, Stave, Tantalus.
Warm weather avalanche problems will decrease as the temperatures fall through the day.
Watch for signs of surface instabilities while in above zero temperatures or full sun.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, one new small skier remote wind slab avalanche was reported in the Whistler area at 1650 m on a north aspect. This avalanche was reported to slide on the melt-freeze crust that exists below 1900 m.
On Sunday, a few natural wind slab avalanches were observed in the region. The largest was a size 2.5 on a north-northeasterly slope at 2100 m.
On Saturday, reports were limited to a few explosive cornice releases to size 2, and thin size 1 wind and storm slab releases in steep alpine terrain.
Snowpack Summary
A 1-2 cm melt-freeze crust caps 10-20 cm of wind redistributed storm snow. This crust should break down rapidly in full sun and warmer temperatures, but may be preserved in some places.
Above 1900 m, this sits on 20-40cm of rapidly settling snow.
Below 1900 m, 10-30 cm of settled snow overlays on a melt-freeze crust from mid-January. This crust has been active in recent reports
Below 1600m there is a thick melt freeze crust which is helping to strengthen the snowpack.
The lower snowpack is still being monitored by professionals. There are weak facet/crust layers that exist 100-250cm deep from early season. Although unlikely, there remains a concern for large loads (e.g. cornice failure) or riders to trigger these layers in thin spots. The possibility of triggering these layers may increase in the warmer temperatures. In general, the current snowpack is thinner and weaker than is typical.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. No new precipitation. Northwesterly ridge top winds 15-30 km/h. 1500m temperature high of +2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Thursday
Increasing cloudiness through the day. No new precipitation. Northwesterly ridge top winds 25-60 km/h. 1500m temperature high of +1 °C. Freezing level falling from 2000 m to 1500 m.
Friday
Mainly sunny. 1-4 cm new from overnight. Northwesterly ridge top winds 20 km/h. 1500 m temperature high of -1 °C. Freezing levels 800 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. No new precipitation. Ridge top winds 20-40 km/h. 1500 m temperature high of -3°C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind slab as you transition into wind-affected areas, especially around ridge crests and in steep terrain.
Take caution in wind affected areas below 1900 m where the crust exists
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Warm temperatures, even brief periods of direct sun, could produce natural avalanches cycle on surface layers. As the temperatures return below freezing, these problems will dissipate.
Elevated alpine temperatures are also weakening cornices. Stay well away from cornices and minimize exposure time beneath them.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2