Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Mar 13 – 14, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Ongoing snowfall and southerly winds will continue to load to already thick storm slabs and large cornices. Conservative terrain selection is recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Cornices are large and fragile, avoid lingering under overhead hazard or venturing close to ridge edges.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–5
    More snow and wind means that widespread storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human-triggering, especially in wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche Summary

Natural and artificially triggered avalanche activity up to size 2.5 was reported from across the region on Saturday. Cornices remain large and fragile. They have been failing naturally and would likely collapse under the weight of a person.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: moderate to light snow starting overnight with 5-20cm expected by the end of the day,  mainly light westerly winds, 1200m freezing level. TUESDAY: light snowfall continues, light westerly winds, 1200m freezing level. WEDNESDAY: clearing, light and variable winds, 1200m freezing level.

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday

Snowpack Summary

Up to 75cm of recent storm snow is being reported in sheltered areas with up to 150cm in wind loaded areas. Weaknesses within or at the base of the new storm snow may need a couple days to settle and strengthen. Southerly winds have created very deep and dense slabs in lee terrain, probably well below ridge crests, while scouring windward slopes. Cornices are large and fragile. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled.

Regions covered