Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Human triggered avalanches will be possible on Monday with new snow and wind in the forecast. Keep your risk tolerance to a minimum while public health resources are strained.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
A cold front crosses the region Monday morning.
SUNDAY NIGHT: 5-15 cm of new snow, strong southwest wind, freezing level drops to valley bottom, alpine temperatures drop to -6 C.
MONDAY: Another 5-10 cm of snow throughout the day, moderate southwest wind, freezing level reaches 1000 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -4 C.
TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and a trace of new snow, light northwest wind, freezing level around 1000 m, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.
WEDNESDAY: A few light flurries overnight then clearing in the afternoon, light west wind, freezing level around 1000 m, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.
Avalanche Summary
The incoming weather will form fresh slabs that will be possible for human triggering on slopes that accumulate new snow, especially in wind loaded terrain. Warm sunny weather over recent days resulted in many wet loose avalanches on steep south-facing slopes across the region while large glide slab releases have been reported around the Coquihalla. If you decide to travel in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
The past week of warm weather has formed moist and crusty surfaces which will be buried by 15-25 cm of new snow by Monday afternoon. There are some reports suggesting surface hoar has formed on shaded slopes at lower elevations. There is some uncertainty about how well the new snow will bond to these interfaces.
Northern parts of the region (e.g.. Duffey/Hurley/Gold Bridge) have had a deep instability lingering at the base of the snowpack for most of the season. While this layer has gained strength over the past month (the last reported avalanche was on Feb 17), it is still worth considering when assessing shallow, rocky slopes in this part of the region.
Terrain and Travel
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New slabs will likely be reactive on Monday with 15-25 cm of new snow and strong southwest wind in the forecast.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2