Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Shore, Powell River, Sasquatch, Sky Pilot, South Coast, Stave, Tantalus, Tetrahedron.
Avalanche conditions will deteriorate on Saturday as a wet storm brings rain to most elevations.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity has been reported. At elevations with significant snow accumulation, natural storm slab avalanche activity can be expected. Loose wet avalanches are possible elsewhere.
If you are going out in the backcountry, please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network (MIN) report.
Snowpack Summary
An already warm, wet upper snowpack is being soaked by rain at most elevations. On the highest peaks, heavy snowfall may be accumulating over a rain-moistened surface.
A significant melt freeze crust is found 45 to 60 cm deep. It was reported to be a failure plan during snow tests near Mont Steele on Wednesday.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.
Snow depths at treeline vary across the region. Currently, 140 cm is reported in Knuckles, 95 cm on the North Shore and 175 cm near Sky Pilot.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
20 to 40 mm of rain. 50 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level dropping from 2700 m to 2000 m.
Saturday
10 to 30 mm falling predominantly as rain or freezing rain at most elevations. In the alpine, it may fall as snow, up to 30 cm. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level dropping from 2000 m to 1300 m.
Sunday
5 to 25 cm of wet snow overnight then clearing to a mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
A rain-soaked upper snowpack will be primed for rider-triggered loose wet avalanches in steep terrain at most elevations. It doesn't take a lot of heavy, wet snow to knock a rider of their feet, or worse.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Storm Slabs
Reactive storm slabs may be found at the highest peak elevations where heavy, wet snow accumulates.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2