Avalanche Forecast
The quest for good snow requires you to travel high enough to avoid wet snow and frozen crusts, and then dodge wind exposed ridges and cross-loaded gullies.
Good luck, backcountry scouts.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, between Terrace and the coast, numerous naturally triggered storm slab and wet loose avalanches were reported at treeline and below.
On Monday, in the Shames backcountry, sounds of large avalanches in big terrain were reported. See this MIN (Mountain Information Network) post for more details of what sounded like a soggy day.
If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow continues to accumulate daily. At treeline and below, expect to find a layer of wet snow near the surface. Generally strong southerly winds are building wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. South facing slopes (windward), have likely been scoured by the strong winds or have dense, wind packed snow.
Two buried layers of surface hoar are widespread in the mid snowpack, buried 50-100 cm, and 90-130 cm deep.
The remaining mid and lower snowpack contains several crusts from early in the season that are generally well-bonded to the surrounding snowpack. Snow depths are highly variable depending on elevation, and decrease rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 4-8 cm of snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind, shifting to southeast by the morning. Freezing level falling to near valley bottom, treeline temperatures around -6°C.
Wednesday
Cloudy. 10-20 cm of snow expected above 500 m. Strong southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -2 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. Moderate rain, snow and freezing rain all possible (10-20 mm). Strong to extreme south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around 1 °C. Possible above freezing layer.
Friday
Cloudy. Moderate rain expected below 1750 m. Strong southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The wind is forecasted to change direction to the southeast on Wednesday, forming new wind slabs on different slope aspects. This avalanche problem may be less concerning if recent rain froze into a crust near the snow surface.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Persistent Slabs
Two layers of surface hoar have produced recent avalanche activity. The additional load of recent storm snow has stressed these layers and may increase sensitivity. Avoid sheltered and shaded open slopes at treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3