Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2014 8:17AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light snowfall throughout the day becoming heavy through the evening / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 800mWednesday: Continued heavy snowfall in the early morning becoming light / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 900mThursday: Moderate snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural and human-triggered size 1 storm slabs were observed in alpine terrain on Monday. I would expect more of the same with sizes increasing with forecast weather.

Snowpack Summary

A developing storm slab overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Strong winds are likely shifting the new snow into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain. As the new slab develops and gains cohesion, I would expect it to have a poor bond with any of these old surfaces.The mid snowpack is generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in some areas, but triggering has become unlikely.

Problems

Storm Slabs

A developing storm slab sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. Reactivity is most likely in wind-exposed terrain. With more snow on the way, conservative terrain selection will become critical.

Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2014 2:00PM