Avalanche forecast

South Coast Inland

Feb 27 – 28, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at higher elevations where new snow struggles to bond to surfaces below

Human triggering potential persists as natural avalanche activity tapers off

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snow and strong southwest winds have built fresh wind slabs in lee terrain features. Wind slabs are most reactive where they overlie a crust.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Recent observations show that a problematic weak layer from early February, of facets overlying a crust, is becoming increasingly triggerable. This layer was the culprit of recent human-triggered avalanches in the region.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, evidence of a size 2 and a size 3, natural, persistent slab avalanches were observed from a distance by operators in the Duffey area. These avalanches occurred on steep, exposed morainal features and likely occurred during the storm.

Backcountry users in the area continue to report signs of instability such as shooting cracks and snow pillows failing on the persistent weak layer.

Confidence

Moderate

Snowpack Summary

5 to 25 cm of storm snow and strong southwest winds have created fresh wind slabs in open areas at treeline and above. Recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces including a crust on south facing slopes, wind affected surfaces in open areas, and faceted surfaces in sheltered areas.

20 to 60 cm down is a widespread crust with a weak layer of facets or isolated surface hoar above this crust. This problematic layering remains a concern with recent avalanche activity and snowpack tests showing reactivity. Human-triggering avalanches on this layer remains possible.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C. Freezing levels remain at valley bottom.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C. Freezing levels remain at valley bottom.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rises to -3 °C. Freezing level rises to 1500 m throughout the day.

Thursday

Partly cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing levels around 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

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