Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2014 9:44AM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A warm front will bring precipitation to the south coast on Wednesday night and Thursday. Unsettled conditions are expected for Friday before the next system reaches the coast on Saturday.Wednesday Night: Precipitation: 8-12mm, freezing level: 1600m, ridgetop wind: light SWThursday: Precipitation 10-15mm, freezing level: 1400m, ridgetop wind: moderate SWFriday: A mix of sun and cloud, light scattered flurries possible, freezing level: 1200m, ridgetop wind: light SW-NWSaturday: Precipitation 5-10mm, freezing level: 1400m, ridgetop wind: moderate-strong SW

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Cooler temperatures and good overnight recovery over the last few days have improved stability. Expect increased avalanche activity with warming temperatures, new snowfall, and moderate to strong winds.

Snowpack Summary

The new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust which exists on all aspects up to 2000m and to mountain-top on sun-exposed slopes. The recent warmer temperatures have helped to strengthen and settle the upper snowpack. Large sagging cornices are looming over slopes and pose a threat, especially when the sun comes out. The deep and destructive early February facet/crust layer is now close to 200 cm below the surface. This layer is largely dormant at this time; however, it should remain on your radar, especially when freezing levels are high and the sun is shining.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow may form storm slabs at higher elevations. Stiffer wind slabs are expected to form in leeward terrain features.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations will saturate and destabilize the upper snowpack. Loose sluffing from steep terrain features is possible, especially from human-triggering.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices remain a concern for the region and may become unstable with warmer temperatures and new loading. Cornice falls have the potential to be highly destructive.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2014 2:00PM