Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Sea To Sky.
Wind slabs at higher elevations may be reactive to human triggers especially where winter-like snow still exists.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 1700 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1500 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1500 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche observations have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
In the alpine, up to 10 cm cold wind-affected snow is holding onto northerly aspects. Southerly winds have produced isolated wind slabs around ridges and in the immediate lee of slopes in the alpine. Cornices have been failing recently.
A crust is found on solar alpine slopes and all aspects below. Warm overnight temperatures are preventing strong crust recovery as you lose elevation. Expect thin surface crusts to break down quickly with daytime warming and rain. Below treeline the snowpack is saturated and rapidly melting.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Southerly winds have produced isolated pockets of wind slab around ridges and in the immediate lee of slopes.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will depend on the extent of overnight crust recovery and the pace at which the warms and rains through the day.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
- Cornices are reported to be touchy. Give a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5