Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2016 7:34AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.

pmarshall, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

A "weather bomb" will drive avalanche danger to HIGH on Thursday. It might be a good time to hunker down and wait out the storm. If you are heading out, stick to simple or non-avalanche terrain.

Summary

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.

Problems

Storm Slabs

It's going to be a stormy and ugly day on Thursday! Your best bet is to avoid all avalanche terrain during the storm, then give the new snow a couple days to settle and strengthen before pushing out.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Certain

Expected Size

1 - 5

Cornices

We should see some pretty significant cornice growth during this next storm. It could be enough to have large chunks pop off naturally, potentially triggering deep wind slabs below.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2016 2:00PM