Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2019 4:24PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

A weak storm will pass by Thursday night into Friday, with variable snowfall amounts forecasted across the region. Apply additional caution if you find substantial snow accumulation and slab properties.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, freezing level 1300 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1300 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1300 m.SUNDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light west winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Thursday. Expect avalanche activity to increase over the weekend as new snow accumulates and forms storm and wind slabs.

Snowpack Summary

New snow will fall 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.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Variable amounts of new snow are expected for Friday, with associated southwest winds. This snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces. Treat the new snow with caution if enough snow accumulates, particularly if you notice slab properties.

Observe for the bond of the new snow to underlying surfaces.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 18th, 2019 2:00PM