Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Assess for instability before committing to consequential terrain.
Confidence
High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -10 C.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies with no precipitation, 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -15 C.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -9 C.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed in the south of the region. In the north, a few wind slabs were triggered by riders and naturally on Sunday in alpine terrain on north to east aspects. Also, small to large (size 1 to 2) wet loose avalanches were observed on sun-exposed slopes at all elevation bands.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of snow sits on a surface melt-freeze crust on all aspects below around 1600 m and on sun-exposed slopes into the alpine. Dry snow remains on shaded slopes above around 1600 m. Recent northerly wind may form wind slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations, which may rest on the crust.
Around 30 to 60 cm deep, sugary faceted grains may be found around a melt-freeze crust from February in the north of the region (e.g., Duffey, Hurley). They may be most prevalent on northeast to northwest aspects at treeline and alpine elevations. Check out this forecaster blog for more info. These crusts may be found in the south of the region but reports suggest they are bonding to the snowpack.
There are no deeper concerns at this time.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried persistent weak layers.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
The north of the region (e.g. Duffey, Hurley) may have a a weak layer of faceted grains above a hard melt-freeze crust around 30 to 60 cm deep. A few avalanches over the past week may have released on it, with more activity observed in the neighbouring Sea to Sky region. It is most likely to be problematic on northwest to northeast aspects at treeline and alpine elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Northerly wind may form wind slabs on southerly slopes. Where slabs form, they could be particularly touchy if they rest on a hard melt-freeze crust.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2