Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Avalanche danger will increase as snow accumulates at higher elevations.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Rain is possible up to treeline elevations, which could weaken the surface snow and trigger loose wet avalanches.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.
Avalanche Problem 3: Cornices
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Cornices are inherently unstable, unpredictable, and demand respect. New snow and warming could make cornices extra brittle.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
A MIN report from just outside the region near Squamish on Sunday (Watersprite Lake) describes a natural size 2 avalanche that failed on a south aspect at 1750 m (see photo and details here). Sparse observations from the Squamish area over the past week suggest the snow from last week's storm may still be unsettled in that area.
Snowpack Summary
New snow will accumulate on Thursday and Friday and form extra deep deposits in wind loaded terrain. The new snow is falling on a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, cold dry snow on polar aspects, and an overall well settled snowpack.
Cornices have formed on many alpine ridgelines. They will become touchier as they grow in size, as temperatures rise, and as they are subject to the strong late-winter sun on clear days.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: Precipitation starting Wednesday night with 5 mm by the morning and another 10-20 mm possible by Thursday afternoon. Freezing level will be steady around 1300 m so expect a mix of rain and snow at treeline elevations. Moderate south wind.
FRIDAY: Flurries continue over Thursday night and into Friday bring 10-20 cm of snow by the morning, clearing in the afternoon, light wind, freezing level dropping to around 800 m.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, freezing level rising to around 1600 m.
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Fresh storm slabs will build throughout the day at higher elevations and be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes.