Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Sky Pilot, Spearhead, Tantalus.
Storm slab size and sensitivity will increase during the day as snow accumulates. Investigate how new snow is bonding to underlying surfaces before committing to a slope.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.
On the weekend a widespread natural storm slab avalanche cycle was observed up to size 2. These avalanches failed on a layer of surface hoar now down 50 cm. Avalanche activity has not been observed on these layers in the last few days however, they continue to be reactive in snowpack tests.
If you're heading out in the backcountry, please consider sharing any observations on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
+15 cm of storm snow buries a 1-2 cm thick melt freeze crust that extends well into the alpine. In sheltered areas, a layer of surface hoar may be found above the crust.
At treeline and above there are two layers of concern in the mid-pack. Both layers consist of a crust that tapers at higher elevations covered by a layer of fragile surface hoar in sheltered areas. These are found down 50 cm and 70 cm consecutively. Both layers have not been reported to be reactive in the last few days but with a new load may become active again.
Overall, the snow depth remains relatively shallow, with numerous hazards present at or just below the snow surface across all elevations.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with flurries, 15 to 20 mm accumulation, southwest alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing levels 1200 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries, 6 to 12 mm accumulation, southwest switching to northwest alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing level 1200 m.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, southwest alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 2000 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, west alpine wind 50 to 60 km/h, treeline temperature +1 °C, freezing level 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
+15 cm of storm snow and strong southwest winds are creating reactive storm slabs at higher elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5