Avalanche danger on Grouse Mountain leads to trail closures

By

Posted January 2, 2022 9:14 pm.

Chances there will be an avalanche on Grouse Mountain are higher than usual, prompting the closure of snowshoeing trails in the area.

It’s a four, the highest level before the highest, “Extreme”, according to Avalanche Canada.

Locals can thank the heavy snowfall, high wind, and warming temperatures for the risky conditions, which caused small slab avalanches along the Sea to Sky on Friday.

With that in mind, snow school lessons were also postponed for the day and Munday Alpine Snowshoe Park was shut down.

The ski hill, sky ride, and chalet were still open until 6:00 p.m. Sunday.

“We have been paying close attention to the early December crust, which has formed a persistent weak layer in the region,” says the attached avalanche summary from Avalanche Canada.

“The last reported avalanche on this layer was on Dec. 24, but it produced several notable avalanches around Dec. 16 at elevations between 1,800 and 2,100 metres.”

Related Articles:

 

Potential visitors are encouraged to check the Avalanche Canada website and social media for updates before coming up, given how unpredictable and extreme weather has been in B.C. recently.

“If triggered, storm slabs in-motion may step down to deeper layers and result in very large avalanches,” its website reads.

“Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you’re most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.”

If you have plans to head to the backcountry, make sure you’re able to stay away from avalanche terrain and falling snow and ice.

Monday is set to be another stormy day with up to 40 cm of new snow, with the heaviest accumulation around Squamish, according to Avalanche Canada.

Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Vancouver Whitecaps potential move to PNE stadium offers game-changing opportunity: expert

As the future of the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place remains up in the air, one expert believes a potential new home on the PNE fairgrounds could offer a game-changing opportunity for both the club and...

5h ago

E-bike and e-scooter parking now available at Coquitlam Central Station

The City of Coquitlam is moving forward with expanding its micromobility strategy by making e-bike and e-scooter parking available at Coquitlam Central Station. In 2023, the city began its e-scooter...

7h ago

Suspect in East Vancouver homicide released

New details have emerged about a homicide in East Vancouver on Sunday.

9h ago

Items recovered from series of thefts from cars; suspect arrested

Delta Police have recovered some stolen items and are looking to return them to their rightful owners. On April 7, police say they were notified of a suspicious male in Ladner. Officers spoke with the...

9h ago

Top Stories

Vancouver Whitecaps potential move to PNE stadium offers game-changing opportunity: expert

As the future of the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place remains up in the air, one expert believes a potential new home on the PNE fairgrounds could offer a game-changing opportunity for both the club and...

5h ago

E-bike and e-scooter parking now available at Coquitlam Central Station

The City of Coquitlam is moving forward with expanding its micromobility strategy by making e-bike and e-scooter parking available at Coquitlam Central Station. In 2023, the city began its e-scooter...

7h ago

Suspect in East Vancouver homicide released

New details have emerged about a homicide in East Vancouver on Sunday.

9h ago

Items recovered from series of thefts from cars; suspect arrested

Delta Police have recovered some stolen items and are looking to return them to their rightful owners. On April 7, police say they were notified of a suspicious male in Ladner. Officers spoke with the...

9h ago

Most Watched Today

2:22
What Canadians should expect when crossing the U.S. border

With Ottawa updating its travel guidance to the U.S., experts share their advice on what Canadians should expect when heading to the border. Afua Baah reports.

16h ago

2:19
ICBC apologizes as people face long waits for driver licensing tests

In a rare move, ICBC is saying ‘sorry’ to its customers as some people are seeing months-long wait times to book a driver’s test.

1:08
Two dead after flight school aircraft crashes near Chilliwack

The Transportation Safety Board is now investigating a deadly plane crash that happened over the weekend in the Fraser Valley. Kier Junos reports.
2:02
Carney, Poilievre make campaign stops in B.C.

We're officially three weeks out from the federal election and the two main party leaders, Liberal Mark Carney, and Conservative Pierre Poilievre were in B.C. to make their pitch to voters. Monika Gul has the latest.
2:29
Calls mount for Poilievre to drop B.C. candidate over social media posts

Calls continue to grow for the Conservative Party of Canada to drop its candidate for North Island-Powell River, Aaron Gunn, over comments about residential schools. Lauren Stallone reports.
More Videos