Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2016 8:45AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

The hazard may go higher than forecast if the region receives more snow than expected. Temperatures, elevation and aspect are critical factors in trip planning these days.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

A cold front will move onto the coast late in the afternoon today bringing cooler conditions with moderate precipitation. Freezing levels will lower overnight to around 1000 m. SUNDAY: Freezing level will hover around 1000 m, 10 to 15 cm of snow in the forecast, light southwest winds. MONDAY: Sunny skies with some cloudy periods, no precipitation in the forecast. Freezing level is forecast to rise to 1700 m, with moderate winds from the south. TUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks, temperatures will go up as we come under the influence of a strong high pressure ridge, freezing level forecast to rise to 2500 m. No precipitation in the forecast. CloudFor more detailed mountain weather information visit: http://www.avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

Numerous reports of avalanche activity on Friday in the new storm snow and in some wind deposited locations. Many skier accidental (Sa) and skier controlled (Sc) on north and east aspects above 1600 m. Also of note are several natural cornice (Nc) releases in the alpine on north aspects producing size 2.5 avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks blast of snow left up to 40cm in some parts of the Sea to Sky region. Winds associated with the storm produced wind and storm slabs at treeline and above. Below the new snow, the snowpack is strong and well-settled throughout with no notable persistent weaknesses. South slopes will become moist/wet quickly with the strong spring sun. Cornices are reported to be huge and fragile.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The storm slab is reported to be touchy right now from1600 to 2700 m range and mostly on north and east aspects.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Natural cornice failures are happening now. With warming temperatures, cornices will become weak and may fail. You definitely don't want to be under or on top of one of them when it fails !

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

1 - 5

Loose Wet

As temperatures rise, loose-wet avalanches will become more of a problem. On many aspects, the new snow is resting on sun and temperature crusts from previous warm days. Pay close attention to rising temperatures and aspect.

Loose wet activity may ramp up quickly as the sun comes out and warms up all the storm snow. Plan your day so that you're off sun exposed slopes by lunch time.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2016 2:00PM