Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2017 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 Cornices.

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Carefully evaluate steep slopes - this is where you'll trigger an avalanche after the storm, particularly in wind-affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Flurries. Freezing level around 1500 m. Winds 10-20 km/h from the southwest. Saturday: Flurries, clearing in the afternoon. Freezing level around 1500 m. Winds mostly calm. Sunday: Dry, with sunshine, especially in the morning. Freezing level rising to 1900 m. Light winds.

Avalanche Summary

Natural and skier-triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported during the storm on northerly aspects above 1800 m.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of new snow with moderate to strong winds from a variety of directions have created fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. Numerous crusts exist in the upper snowpack, especially on solar aspects. Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. Expect small loose dry avalanches in steep terrain where the new snow is sitting on a crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Where they exist, cornices pose a significant hazard and should be avoided.

Falling cornices can trigger large avalanches.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2017 2:00PM