Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
Sea To Sky.
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
Thursday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 900mFriday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 900mSaturday: Light snowfall / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 700m
Avalanche Summary
We continue to receive observations of isolated small soft slabs in the alpine that are sensitive to skier triggering. Click on the link below for information on a recent slab avalanche that was reported from Rainbow mountain.Rainbow Mountain Avalanche
Snowpack Summary
On Wednesday very light snowfall covered reportedly widespread surface hoar. Relatively small pockets of wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. but may be triggered by skiers in isolated pieces of terrain near ridge crest. Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.