Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2014 9:14AM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Unsettled conditions are expected for Friday and Saturday morning before the next storm system arrives on the south coast Saturday afternoon. Precipitation is expected Saturday night and Sunday but there is some uncertainty regarding amounts and timing.Friday: A mix of sun and cloud, light scattered flurries, freezing level am: 1100m pm: 1500m, ridgetop wind: light SW-WSaturday: Precipitation beginning midday 3-6mm, freezing level am: 800-1100m pm: 1600m, ridgetop wind: becoming moderate-strong SW-W with storm frontSaturday Night: Precipitation 5-15mm, freezing level: 1200m, ridgetop wind: moderate-strong SW-WSunday: Precipitation 3-6mm, freezing level am: 1200m pm: 1600m, ridgetop wind: moderate SW-W

Avalanche Summary

Sluffing from steep terrain and small pockets of soft slab activity in the alpine were reported on Wednesday.

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 during periods of warming. 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 from strong S through W winds.

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

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.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2014 2:00PM