Sea To Sky

Wind slabs continue to build and are reactive to human triggering. Natural activity may increase with sun, be extra aware of overhead hazard including cornices.

There was a report of a large (size 2) natural slab that released on Tuesday on a solar slope.

Explosive control in the Duffey area recently produced several large (size 2-2.5) wind slab avalanches on Sunday.

These are failing at the crust or facet layer that currently exists beneath the storm snow.

30 to 50 cm of snow fell over the weekend. Generally, sheltered snow quality has been excellent, with wind redistribution occurring near ridgetops.

This recent snow is bonding poorly to an underlying weak layer formed during the January drought. Depending on aspect and elevation, the layer may exist as a hard crust, faceted grains and/or surface hoar.

The mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded with no other layers of concern.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear. 5 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.

Wednesday

Sunny. Calm. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy. Calm. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

Increasing cloudiness. Calm. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations.
• Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.