Sea To Sky

Numerous Size 1-2 slab avalanches (both natural and human triggered) have been reported in the past 48 hours, primarily in wind affected terrain near ridge crests. There is one new report of a Size 2 accidentally triggered avalanche in the Spearhead Range on December 26. It was a close call that resulted in some lost skis, but fortunately no full burial or injury. Expect the size and likelihood of avalanches to increase through the forecast period.

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain

A steady stream of weather systems will continue to deliver heavy to very heavy precipitation, strong winds, and fluctuating freezing levels. Tuesday night through Wednesday: Up to 70cm of snow. Very strong SW-W winds. Freezing level (FL) rising to 1600-1800m overnight. Thursday: Snow beginning later in the day; 15-30cm. Moderate to strong SW-SE winds. FL lowering to 1000-1200m. Friday: Drier during the day but could see another system arrive in the evening. FL around 1000-1200m.

Storm snow amounts vary from 25-35cm in the northern part of the region, to around 50cm in the southern part. Wind slabs continue to grow in exposed NW-E facing slopes, probably as deep as 100cm in some areas. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline.