Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Birkenhead, Duffey, South Chilcotin, South Coast Inland, Stein, Taseko.
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
Confidence
Moderate
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.
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.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
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.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
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.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2