Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Sea To Sky.
Confidence
High
Weather Forecast
Avalanche Summary
A widespread and large natural avalanche cycle is expected throughout the day on Thursday in response to rapid loading from snow and wind. We could see slab avalanches up to size 3, with large slides more likely on north-facing, wind-loaded slopes.
Snowpack Summary
The current snow surface consists of soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain, dry lower density snow in sheltered terrain, and some places have mentioned small surface hoar forming overnight on Tuesday. Forecast heavy snowfall, warming, and very strong winds will rapidly create fresh storm slabs everywhere, and deep wind slabs in exposed lee terrain for Thursday. Some areas could see close to 100 cm in a 24 hour period! Expect a widespread and large natural avalanche cycle during the storm. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged extensive cornice growth. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Certain
Expected Size: 1 - 5
Cornices
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 5