Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2019 4:37PM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Watch for wind slabs in exposed areas and south-facing slopes that are being impacted by the sun.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Flurries possible. No significant accumulation expected.WEDNESDAY: Dry with periods of sun. Freezing level around 1000 m. Winds light northwesterly.THURSDAY: Light snow - 2-4 cm. Freezing level around 1000 m. Winds light southwesterly.FRIDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level rising to around 1500 m. Winds light southwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

Several small (size 1) loose dry and wet avalanches were reported over the weekend. Natural avalanche activity may remain possible on slopes affected by the sun.

Snowpack Summary

Another 15-20 cm new snow added to previous amounts to give storm totals in the range of 30-50 cm. Towards the end of the storm, winds shifted to the north, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. 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

Wind Slabs

Winds shifted to the north at the end of the storm, building wind slabs on south-facing slopes. These slopes are also likely to be impacted by the sun, making them the most likely to produce avalanches.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2019 2:00PM