Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2013 8:33AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Arctic air will slowly be displaced as a Pacific frontal system moves onto the coast later this week. For the next few days the temperatures will remain below freezing at valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No recent reports of natural or skier/rider triggered avalanches, however, treat all wind loaded pockets with caution.

Snowpack Summary

Snow depths are highly variable throughout the region with reports of up to 150cm of snow at some tree line elevations. Terrain below tree line is mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.The snow that fell during the last storm will slowly bond to old surfaces. Much of the last storm snow has been redistributed by strong northerly winds at upper elevations. Wind slabs are a cause for concern on lee terrain. Surface and shallow snowpack facetting is taking place in some higher locations. Many alpine ridge tops have been scoured by the recent NE winds.There are crusts buried deeper in the snowpack with facets at higher elevations. Worth looking for it if you are digging a pit.

Problems

Wind Slabs

N winds continue to scour exposed alpine and tree line slopes . The cold temperatures have promoted surface hoar development in protected areas. Surface facetting has been reported in many locations above and at tree line.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2013 2:00PM