Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
Continued warm temperatures will make the snow surface moist and primed for loose wet avalanches on steep terrain.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Summary
While temperatures remain high, loose wet avalanches are the most likely, as well as the potential for slab avalanches on steep slopes above 1500 m near Squamish.
Snowpack Summary
Very warm temperatures are making the snow surface moist and primed for loose wet avalanches. Previously, rain soaked into the snow at elevations below 1300 m. Only the peaks of the North Shore mountains and higher terrain near Squamish escaped this rain. At these upper elevations, the recent storm slab may remain reactive, particularly to warming-triggered avalanches, as there is a possibility that cold snow became trapped below the more recent dense slab.
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
Monday: Cloud building through the day. Rain starting in the evening. Freezing level 2600m. Moderate southeasterly winds.
Tuesday: up to 20mm rain, turning to snow right near mountaintop on the North Shore mountains and at elevations above 1500m near Squamish. Strong southeasterly winds.
Wednesday: Snow above 1000m with amounts of around 15cm. Strong southerly winds.
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Very warm temperatures will release loose snow avalanches in steep terrain. Slopes that are affected by the sun are more likely to produce avalanches that gain mass.