This has been an unusual season with several persistent weak layers on the coast. The long dry spell may have lured many into skiing like it is a normal snowpack. With the recent storm cycles there is now 2.5 metres over the 081206 facet/crust layer, over a metre on the 090127 surface hoar layer, and about 60 to 80 cm over the 090122 facet/surface hoar layer. The last week has seen 3 significant natural avalanche cycles up to size 3 mostly in the storm snow and down into the 090222 facet/surface hoar interface.
Today there was a significant skiier remotely triggered avalanche occurence. A ski party was regrouping at a col and 5 metres away a size 2.5 avalanche released in 35 degree terrain on a NE aspect at 2000 metres elevation. It failed down 80 cm on the 090222 facet/surface hoar interface. This simultaneously triggered 2 other avalanches one of which went to size 3. The size 3 had three step fractures which released on the 090222 facet/surface hoar interface down 80 cm, the 090127 surface hoar interface down over 100 cm, and the 081206 facet/crust interface down 260 cm. This large avalanche ran down over tracks on low angle terrain that had been previously skiied. There were also several whumphs in low angle terrain both before and after this.
This is not a normal coastal snowpack year.
Let's all be carefull out there.
Eric Ridington
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides - Ski Guide
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