Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 7th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Seek out wind-sheltered terrain where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several small naturally triggered loose dry avalanches were reported near the Sea to Sky Gondola area on Thursday. No slab avalanches have been reported since last weekend when numerous storm slabs occurred.
Looking forward, we expect naturally triggered slab avalanches will be unlikely, but human triggering of wind slabs may be possible.
Snowpack Summary
Wind-affected snow and wind slabs formed by shifting wind may be found on various aspects at upper elevations. 100 to 130 cm of snow fell in the region during the last storm, with one or two thin rain crusts buried 40 to 90 cm deep, caused by a brief temperature spike. The storm snow is slowly settling, remaining dry and powdery in the cold. It overlies a weak layer formed in late January consisting of a hard slippery crust in most areas. However, on shady upper elevation slopes, it may rest on faceted grains or surface hoar. The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled with no major concerns.
Check out this fantastic MIN and photos if you are heading out near Powell River.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 40 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Be careful with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The most likely places to trigger a slab are steep, wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The storm snow remains dry and powdery in most areas so expect sluffing in steep terrain. Remember to use good sluff management techniques.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 8th, 2025 4:00PM
