Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Temperatures of up to 10C are expected. This will destabilize surface snow and could also release storm slab avalanches at higher elevations.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problem 2: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Storm slabs are expected to respond to alpine temperatures of up to 10C.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 35 degrees.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday we received a fantastic MIN report of a size 1.5 skier-triggered wind slab in the alpine. You can see it here. This report is still relevant for elevations above 1300 m and shows just how different the conditions are between the North Shore and the Squamish area. On Friday, we received reports of new storm snow failing on older loose, dry storm snow on a crust. The avalanches were relatively small, but were failing in surprisingly low angle terrain and entraining significant mass.
Snowpack Summary
Rain has soaked into the snow at elevations below 1300 m. Only the peaks of the North Shore mountains and higher terrain near Squamish escaped the rain. At these upper elevations, the newly developed storm slab may be surprisingly touchy as there is a possibility that cold snow became trapped below the more recent dense slab. At lower elevations, a moist snow surface is likely that may become reactive to loose wet avalanche activity.
About 60cm below the surface you'll find a thick melt-freeze crust that formed as a result of heavy rain about a week ago. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.
The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Warm, dry and sunny. Freezing level rising to 3500m. Temperature at 1400m expected to reach 10C. Light winds.
Monday: Slightly cooler temperatures, but still a warm day. Freezing level around 2500m. Temperature at 1400m around 5C. Cloud building through the day with rain starting in the afternoon or evening.
Tuesday: Rain. Amounts: 20-30mm. Freezing level 2300m. Strong southeasterly winds.
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Very warm temperatures will certainly release loose snow avalanches in steep terrain. Slopes that are affected by the sun are more likely to produce avalanches that gain mass.