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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 5th, 2025–Feb 6th, 2025

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Brandywine, Garibaldi, Spearhead, Tantalus.

The sun may be out but dangerous avalanche conditions persist.

Continue to stay in conservative terrain and be aware of overhead hazards.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches of all trigger types continue to be reported. Slabs have been failing up to a meter deep.

Notably on Tuesday, one avalanche resulted in a person being fully buried for a lengthy time (check this MIN for details) and another was a near-miss for a snowmobiler. (See photo below)A very large (size 3) naturally-triggered cornice was also observed near Whistler. The cornice triggered a subsequent slab below. (Photo below)

Snowpack Summary

50 to 80 cm of snow has accumulated over the last storm cycle. The accumulated storm snow is sitting on a weak layer that developed in late January. In most areas, this layer consists of a hard slippery crust. However, on shady, upper-elevation slopes, the new snow may be resting on faceted grains or surface hoar. Wind-affected snow and wind slabs can be found on various aspects at upper elevations.

The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded with no other layers of concern.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 5 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 5 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. 25 to 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
  • Conservative terrain selection is critical; choose gentle, low consequence lines.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.