Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2019 3:57PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Stiff wind slabs may continue to be reactive to human triggers at upper elevations. Steep, unsupported terrain and wind-loaded features are most suspect.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine temperatures near -26C. Ridgetop winds strong from the northeast.SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. Alpine temperatures near -15C. Ridgetop winds strong decreasing to moderate from the northeast.SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperatures near -15C. Ridgetop winds light to moderate from the northeast.MONDAY: Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine temperatures near -14C. Ridgetop winds light from the east.

Avalanche Summary

Pockets of wind slab were reactive to skier traffic this week, resulting in avalanches up to size 2 in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. The 40-50 cm of new snow from last weekend has been redistributed initially by strong southwesterly winds and now northerly outflow winds forming reactive pockets of wind slab. This recent snow sits on a crust on all aspects below 2000m and solar aspects into the alpine. In isolated sheltered terrain and treeline and below, a layer of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets may be identified, but with little reactivity. Current cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting and may be breaking down the buried crust.The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds and strong outflows have formed stiff pockets of wind slab in wind-loaded terrain, slabs are more prominent on south aspects and cross-loaded features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, hollow sounds or shooting cracks.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2019 2:00PM