South Coast Inland

There is distinct variability in avalanche conditions between the north and south of the region. In the north of the region recent heavy loads such as cornice falls have been sporadically triggering full depth avalanches.

Low - Due to the number of field observations

FRIDAY: Flurries, accumulation 10-15cm / Moderate to strong south wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1600mSATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature -4 / Freezing level 1200mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature -6 / Freezing level 1000m

A Mountain Information Network post from Monday describes a cornice triggered avalanche stepping down to the November deep persistent weak layer or ground in the alpine on a North aspect. Click here to read more details in the post itself. An additional report from Monday indicates a size 2.5 explosives controlled cornice failure stepping down to what was suspected to be a mid-February persistent weak layer in the Duffy Lake area. Yet another report from the same area indicates a size 3 large explosives triggered avalanche stepping down to what was suspected to be a November persistent weak layer. There have been no new avalanche reports from the Coquihalla area or south of the region in the past several days.On Thursday, recently formed wind slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggering. These slabs are expected to be particularly touchy where they overlie a melt-freeze crust.

Anywhere from 10 to 20cm of new snow is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent strong winds from the south have formed new wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer seem to have become reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near the Duffey Lakes and Birkenhead Lake.