Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Apr 16 – 17, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Wind slabs may develop with incoming snow and wind. Be alert for these behind ridges and terrain breaks.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Large cornices are looming. These are a hazard in themselves and could trigger avalanches on the slope below.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–6
    Wet loose or slab avalanches are most likely at times when temperatures are warm, e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations. Avoid exposure to slopes which are sporting glide cracks.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Overcast with sunny breaks and the possibility of very light precipitation. Light southerly winds and 1200m freezing level. WEDNESDAY: Light precipitation possible throughout the day with a weak ridge of high pressure bringing drier conditions in the PM. Winds moderate from the southwest and 1200-1500m freezing levels. THURSDAY: Mostly drier conditions. Freezing levels 1200-1500m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent observations include cornice falls (size 1-2) and glide slab releases to size 3.5. Loose moist avalanches have been observed during periods of warming.

Snowpack Summary

A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations) and improve when the surface freezes. Conditions may be quite icy in the morning. A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a lingering concern, although the snowpack above it is settling and strengthening. Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.

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