Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2019 3:00PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Slabs that formed during the recent storm may take a couple days to stabilize. Assess the snow distribution and bonding before committing to avalanche terrain. Also watch the skies and expect the snow to move on southerly slopes if the sun comes out.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1200 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated snowfall, trace accumulation, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1400 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light south wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1700 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small storm slabs were triggered by skiers on Friday, within the recent storm snow up to 40 cm thick. The likelihood of triggering avalanches is increased above the snow-rain line due to stormy conditions this weekend and the potential for loose wet avalanches if the sun shines.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow has been blown around by strong to extreme southerly wind. This snow overlies recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Around 20 to 30 cm of snowfall has accumulated above 1400 m and it fell with strong southerly wind. Use added caution in lee terrain features, where deposits will be deepest and most reactive.

Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.The new snow may require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

The recent snow will moisten quickly if the clouds clear. Loose wet avalanches can become dangerous quickly, so use added caution when the sun is out.

Avoid sun-exposed slopes and overhead exposure during periods of intense sun.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Cornice falls could trigger avalanches on slopes below them.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2019 2:00PM