Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2019 3:55PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Danger will rise with forecast new snow and wind. If you find places with more than 30 cm of new snow, the avalanche danger may increase to HIGH.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Heavy snowfall with accumulations of 15-20 cm, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.TUESDAY: Snow continues in the morning and then eases off in the afternoon, total accumulations of 15-35 cm over the course of the storm, light northwest wind in the afternoon, alpine high temperatures near -7 C, freezing level 800 m.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -7 C, freezing level 900 m.THURSDAY: Isolated flurries with localized accumulations of 5-10 cm, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -5 C, freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several small (size 1) loose dry and wet avalanches were reported over the weekend. Looking ahead, storm slab activity is expected with the new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast snowfall amounts are variable throughout the region, so expect anywhere from 15-35 cm of fresh snow on Tuesday. Strong southwest wind will likely form drifts and deeper deposits at higher elevations. Beneath the recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast snowfall amounts are variable with anywhere from 15-35 cm possible. Storm slabs will be most likely to trigger in parts of the region with deeper accumulations and on slopes that have been loaded by the wind.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2019 2:00PM