Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Sea To Sky.
Snowfall amounts may vary significantly across the region, in areas that see less than 15 cm of new snow on Friday, the danger is likely moderate.
In areas receiving heavy snowfall, storm slabs are expected to become increasingly reactive throughout the day.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Thursday night - Cloudy with scattered flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -9 / freezing level at or near valley bottom
Friday - Snow, 15-25 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1000 m
Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -8 / freezing level 1200 mÂ
Sunday - Mainly sunny / light north wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 mÂ
Avalanche Summary
Fresh storm slabs are expected to build and become increasingly reactive throughout the day.
A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm. On Sunday, there were a few size 1-1.5 human triggered wind slab avalanches reported. This MIN describes triggering a small wind slab in large terrain. There were a few small dry loose avalanches reported on Tuesday. There were no new avalanches reported on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
15-25 cm of snow is expected to accumulate throughout the day on Friday, bringing the total this week to about 25-40 cm. Strong southwest winds are expected to accompany the new snow, likely forming fresh and reactive slabs in many areas.
The recent storm snow sits on a crust on sun-exposed aspects, and on all aspects below about 1600 m. It likely sits on soft snow or wind slabs on north aspects.Â
Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
- Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
15-25 cm of new snow with strong southwest wind is expected during the day on Friday, likely forming slabs that may become increasingly reactive throughout the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with recent fresh snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3