Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brandywine, Garibaldi, Homathko, Sea To Sky, Spearhead.
Watch for unstable snow on steep features, and remember that even a small avalanche can be dangerous.
Ride/hike to the conditions, backcountry travel may be challenging.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
On Wednesday, a small (size 1), rider-triggered, loose wet avalanche was reported in the Whistler backcountry. It occurred on a west aspect in open terrain at or below treeline.
Also around Whistler, loose dry sluffing was reported in steep, north-facing terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Lingering wind slabs may exist below alpine ridgetops. 10-20 mm surface hoar in sheltered terrain is set to be buried by the incoming snowfall.
Above 1900 m, 10 - 40 cm of faceting snow sits on a supportive crust.
Below 1900 m, recent snow amounts taper quickly and the crust increases in thickness.
Where snow still exists below treeline, it is isothermal or refrozen and travel is very challenging.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Light west ridgetop wind. Freezing level around 600 m. Treeline temperature around -4 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 0-1 cm of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to around 1100 m through the day. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow expected above 500 m. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -2 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 3 to 7 cm of snow expected above 750 m overnight. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.