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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 6th, 2023–Mar 7th, 2023

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

Regions

Sea To Sky, Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Powell River, Spearhead, Tantalus, Sasquatch.

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.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Explosive avalanche control work near Whistler produced size 1 wind slab avalanches at treeline and above on a variety of aspects on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

30-60 cm of snow last week and shifting strong winds formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects at treeline and above. These slabs are sitting on either hard surfaces or small facets.

A couple crusts with facets sitting above them can be found at treeline and above down 60-180 cm.

The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled, strong, and consolidated.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with very isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Light southeast ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline -9 C / Freezing level valley bottom

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Light south ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -3 C / Freezing level 1000 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 / Light southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -2 C / Freezing level 1200 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 steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

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.