Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2019 3:26PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Warm air and sunny skies will continue to influence the snowpack on Sunday.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear skies, freezing level dropping to 2000 m.SUNDAY: Mostly clear skies, light to moderate northwest winds, alpine temperature variable between -2 C and 1 C, freezing level dropping to 1500 m over the day.MONDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light west winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1200 m.TUESDAY: Mostly clear skies, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1200 m with inversion conditions possible.

Avalanche Summary

A few small wet loose avalanches were observed on southerly aspects on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

On the snow surface, you will likely find moist snow or a sun crust on southerly aspects and either a thin crust or dry snow on northerly aspects. Beneath this, around 40 to 60 cm of snow sits on a sun crust on south aspects and weak and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is likely most pronounced at treeline elevations.The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Around 30 to 60 cm of snow sits above variable crusts and a spotty weak layer of surface hoar. Warm air may make it more likely to initiate an avalanche on these layers. Treating this snow with caution is advised.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices, which could easily trigger persistent slabs.Avoid steep slopes on warm or sunny days.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Warm air and sun may continue to weaken the snow surface. Be particularly cautious on southerly aspects if sunny skies prevail.

Avoid sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Watch for clues that the snowpack is warming up, like moist snow or sluffing off of cliffs.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2019 2:00PM