Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2019 4:19PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Forecast snow amounts are variable across the region. Treat the danger as HIGH if you find more than 30 cm of accumulation. This snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces. The snow may be touchiest in lee terrain features due to howling winds.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, extreme southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1300 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 1000 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 900 m.MONDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light west winds, alpine temperature -9 C, freezing level 800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday except for a cornice fall, which may have been triggered by a skier or naturally. The cornice did not appear to initiate a slab within the snowpack.Expect avalanche activity to increase over the weekend as new snow accumulates and forms storm and wind slabs.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 15 cm of new snow fell on Thursday night and Friday, with associated strong south winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces. More snow is forecast for Friday night.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

More snow is expected, with strong to extreme southwest winds. All this storm snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces. The snow may be very touchy to human activity, so best to avoid avalanche terrain if you find more than 30 cm accumulated.

A good day to avoid avalanche terrain if you find 30 cm or more of accumulated snow.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Watch for signs of instability, such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2019 2:00PM