Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Mar 7 – 8, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind slabs may remain reactive on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.

Sheltered terrain at lower elevations will likely offer the best and safest riding.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs may remain reactive on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3.5

    A layer of weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most likely to be problematic in steep, unsupported, wind-loaded terrain in the northern part of the region around the Chilcotins, Birkenhead, and Hurley.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Sunday.

Several people were caught in wind slab avalanches in the Duffey Lake area on Saturday. They occurred on southerly aspects at treeline. MIN 1. MIN 2.

Snowpack Summary

A variety of winds have redistributed the 30 to 50 cm of snow that fell last week, creating wind slabs on all aspects at treeline and above. These slabs sit on a variety of surfaces including sun crusts, facets, and previous wind effect.

The mid-snowpack is well consolidated. This is not the case for the lower snowpack. There is a widespread weak layer of large sugary facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Recent avalanche activity on this layer has been confined to northern parts of the region in the Chilcotins.

Snowpack depths around treeline range between 200 and 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy / Light south ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline -13 C / Freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -2 C / Freezing level 1100 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -3 C / Freezing level 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Sheltered low elevation terrain will likely offer the best and safest riding today.
  • Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.

Regions covered