Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Numerous size 1 skier triggered storm and wind slab avalanches were reported over the weekend, including in the Powell River area.

These avalanches were typically at treeline or above on north and east aspects. Reports indicate that the recent storm snow is not bonding well to the underlying weak layers as these avalanches were easy to trigger.

New snow falls on 15 to 25 cm of snow from the weekend, which fell with southerly wind, forming deeper slabs on northerly aspects. In sheltered terrain this new snow may overlie soft, faceted snow or surface hoar. In exposed terrain it will overlie a sun crust or wind-affected snow.

At lower elevations a new crust likely exists below the storm snow.

A late-January weak layer (hard crust, facets, or surface hoar) is buried 80 to 120 cm deep, this layer could become reactive the more the precipitation adds load on it.

The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 20 to 50 mm of mixed precipitation. 25 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1300 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 mm of mixed precipitation. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 20 to 50 mm of mixed precipitation. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 50 to 100 mm of mixed precipitation. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
• Approach steep and open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, as buried surface hoar may exist.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.