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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 4th, 2023–Feb 5th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

South Coast Inland, Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, Stein, Taseko.

Steer clear of freshly wind loaded features. New snow and strong winds have loaded north and east facing terrain.

Head to sheltered and supported terrain features for the best chance of finding good riding conditions.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs were reported throughout the region this week, with a notable remotely triggered size 1.5 failing on surface facets at treeline elevation.

Loose dry activity was reported out of steep rocky slopes on Friday.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Strong southwest winds continue redistributing snow into fresh wind slabs in alpine and treeline terrain. In the alpine wind slabs cover scoured northerly aspects. In sheltered areas, 10 to 20 cm of soft snow can be found. A surface crust can be found below 1800 m and at all elevations on steep solar aspects.

In the mid snowpack, a weak layer can be found 50 to 100 cm deep, as a decomposing crust, or in many places, it's more of a soft and weak section of the snowpack. There is a widespread weak layer of facets and depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack, most concerning in the Hurley/Birkenhead areas. This layer is still a concern for step down avalanches or very large triggers (eg. cornice fall). It is most problematic in steep and rocky start zones where the snowpack varies rapidly from thick to thin.

Generally, the snowpack in this region is weak and shallow. Snowpack depths around treeline are highly variable and range between 150 to 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy skies overnight with isolated flurries possible. Trace accumulations. Freezing levels sit around 1200 m, with moderate southerly winds.

Sunday

Cloudy skies with isolated flurries possible. Trace accumulations. Freezing levels sit around 1000-1500 m. Light to moderate southwest winds.

Monday

Mostly cloudy skies with up to 5 cm of snow. Strong southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1500 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 5-10 cm, freezing levels around 1500 m. Strong southwest winds.

Monday

1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.