Avalanche Forecast

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

A high pressure system has established itself across the coast. Clear skies and warm air at higher elevations will persist until Friday.

TUESDAY NIGHT: Valley cloud with moderate NW wind. Freezing levels 2500 m.

WEDNESDAY: Valley cloud/fog. Sunny above, light NW wind, freezing levels around 2500 m. Alpine high of +5.

THURSDAY: Sunny, light SW wind, freezing levels around 2600 m. Alpine high of +5.

FRIDAY: Increasing cloud with moderate SW winds. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m over the day. Alpine high of +5.

No new avalanche activity has been reported over the last few days. Last Thursday, glide cracks were reported to be growing in size, likely from the persistent warm temperatures and rain event. 

If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

A thick crust extends from valley bottom to mountain top. Surface conditions remain solid in most areas despite the warm temperatures and sun. Below the crust, the snow is moist down 50-100 cm where several old crust are breaking down. At the highest elevations around Squamish, you may find up to 15 cm of new snow from the recent storm. 

Around 150 to 200 cm deep, weak faceted grains may sit above a melt freeze crust that formed during the cold spell in late December. Reports suggest that the snowpack has been bonding well to these layers. The middle and lower snowpack are strong, consisting of well-bonded snow and various hard melt-freeze crusts.

• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.