Sea To Sky

New snow has buried a potential weak layer. Test how the new snow is bonding before increasing your exposure.

Travel cautiously, as the snowpack is shallow and hides thinly buried hazards.

Small (size 1) wind slab avalanches have been reported in isolated steep terrain features that are adjacent to ridge crests.

If you're heading out into the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the MIN.

New snow has fallen on a variety of potentially weak crystals, including: surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts found on steep south facing slopes. The new snow may not bond well to the old surface.

A firm crust that formed in early November can be found 30 to 100 cm deep in the alpine and at treeline. Weak, sugary facets have been spotted above and below the crust. This layer isn't currently a concern, but once more snow arrives it could produce avalanches.

Expect to find 50 to 150 cm of snow, treeline and above, with snowpack depth decreasing rapidly below 1600 m.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow at treeline. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow at treeline. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 15 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.