Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 22nd, 2019 5:50PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Watch for reactive slabs at upper elevations, especially on wind-loaded slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Scattered flurries with accumulations of 5 cm, moderate west wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.SATURDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries and 5-10 cm of snow, light south wind, alpine temperatures around -10 C.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Mostly sunny, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, skiers triggered several small (size 1) storm slab avalanches at upper treeline elevations and in lee alpine terrain. A few small loose dry avalanches were observed on south-facing slopes when the sun came out in the afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 20 cm of new low density snow sits above sun crusts on south-facing slopes and hard wind affected snow in the alpine. Deeper deposits may be forming in wind-affected alpine terrain. In sheltered areas, 20 to 40 cm of low-density faceted snow is gradually settling onto old hard surfaces including crusts and wind-packed snow. Low-density snow may sluff easily on these hard surfaces. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs are forming at upper elevations and may be reactive to human triggering.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2019 2:00PM