Hi everyone,
It seem like many reports of avalanche involvements, close calls and even fatal accidents are increasingly indicating the serious consequences related to the unstable and avalanche prone snowpack affecting southern BC this year.
I have been skiing in the southern coast mountain over the last few weeks with a group of several other experienced guides. As in many other parts of southern BC the snowpack here is thin, weak and abnormally avalanche prone due to a small layer of soft facetted crystals poorly bonded to an early December rain crust below it. Due to a steady westerly flow and accompanied precipitation there is now between 50 to 100cm of recent snow forming a denser slab just above this weak layer in our area. As many other coastal or southern interior areas we have observed many natural avalanches up to size 3 on this weak layer. Our guiding team has not seen such dangerous conditions in this area before and there fore we are using extreme caution while out in the field. We think these very unusual conditions will deteriorate through the holidays and persist for most of the winter.
In the field, we have been skiing on very low angled terrain(less than 20 degrees) while trying to eliminate any exposure to potential surrounding avalanche terrain. Even with all our experience based precautions, we have been able to remotely trigger numerous avalanches, purposely or not, from a safe distance on nearby terrain. These conditions are increasingly challenging but we still feel its possible to enjoy the backcountry during the holidays. We recommend using extreme caution while in the backcountry and minimizing (if not eliminating) your exposure to potential avalanche terrain.
The canadian avalanche association has already issued several warnings recommending recreationists, experienced or not, to stay well away from any avalanche terrain. We strongly support their warnings and hope this message is helpful to anyone planning a trip in the backcountry.
Happy Holidays!
David Lussier
Mountain Guide
ACMG/IFMGA
Win a trip with your 3 best buddies. Enter today.