Avalanche Forecast
South Coast
New snow accumulating through Thursday into Friday at upper elevations is driving the avalanche danger in the alpine.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.
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
- Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.
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).
Snowpack Summary
New snow accumulating through Thursday into Friday at upper elevations will form deep deposits in wind loaded terrain. This new snow sits on a sun crust or moist snow on steep south-facing slopes, cold dry snow on northerly aspects, and an overall well settled snowpack. Cornices have formed on many alpine ridge lines. 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
FRIDAY: Overnight Thursday into Friday snow, accumulation 20-30cm then a mix of sun and cloud through Friday / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 800m
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light south wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 1400m
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 7 / Freezing level 2500m
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Fresh storm slabs have built at higher elevations and be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes.