Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2016 8:59AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Extra caution is still required around and below cornices. Avoid sun-exposed slopes if the sun makes an appearance on Sunday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Increased cloud will develop throughout Sunday with 10-20cm of new snow expected between Sunday night and Monday morning. A mix of sun and cloud and occasional light flurries are forecast for the rest of the period.Ridgetop winds should be moderate from the southwest with Sunday night's system and then become light. Freezing levels should sit at 2000m on Sunday, 1600m on Monday and 1500m on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

In recent days, loose wet avalanches up to size 2.5 and cornice releases up to size 3 were reported. Cooling temperatures on the weekend will mean that natural sluffing and cornice releases will become less likely, but with all the heat in the snowpack, it will still be possible for human-triggering of cornices and sluffing. These problems may linger until the region gets a substantial refreeze and a widespread crust forms on the snow surface.

Snowpack Summary

A moist/wet snow surface is reported to be widespread to mountaintops except for shaded true north aspects above 2200m. The last few nights have seen some limited overnight crust formation which has quickly broken down the following morning. With freezing levels dropping on Saturday, a surface crust has likely formed at higher elevations and hasn't completely broken down during the day. Large cornices are lingering and are expected to remain weak until there is a substantial period of cooling. Below the snow surface, the mid snowpack is generally well-settled throughout with no notable persistent weaknesses.

Problems

Cornices

Lingering cornices are not expected to fail naturally once the temperature drops but may remain reactive to human-triggering. Use extra caution around cornices until the region sees substantial cooling and refreeze.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes. >Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges. >

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Loose Wet

As temperatures drop and cloudy skies develop, loose wet avalanches will become less likely. If the sun makes an appearance on Sunday, use extra caution in sun-exposed terrain.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain. >Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet. >

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2016 2:00PM