Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2019 3:41PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

The most snow is expected to fall in the south and far west of the region. Use added caution during periods of rapid loading, as the snow may be reactive to human traffic.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, moderate south wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate to strong south wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1500 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 cm, moderate south wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1400 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light to moderate south wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small storm slab avalanches were triggered by skiers on Wednesday. They were 10 to 20 cm thick, above 1700 m, and on all aspects. The likelihood of triggering avalanches will increase above the snow-rain line due to continuous snowfall this weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Above around 1800 m, 10 to 20 cm of recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north, where the snow may overly weak faceted snow or surface hoar. The snow has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Another 5 to 10 cm is expected to accumulate during Friday. Below 1800 m, the snowpack is wet. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snowfall and strong southwest wind is forecast above around 1500 m. Use caution in lee terrain features, where deposits will be deepest and most reactive. Assess the bond of this new snow with underlying layers before entering committing terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.Watch for quickly changing conditions during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2019 2:00PM