Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 13th, 2016 8:58AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Ongoing snowfall and southerly winds will continue to load to already thick storm slabs and large cornices. Conservative terrain selection is recommended.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: moderate to light snow starting overnight with 5-20cm expected by the end of the day, mainly light westerly winds, 1200m freezing level. TUESDAY: light snowfall continues, light westerly winds, 1200m freezing level. WEDNESDAY: clearing, light and variable winds, 1200m freezing level.

Avalanche Summary

Natural and artificially triggered avalanche activity up to size 2.5 was reported from across the region on Saturday. Cornices remain large and fragile. They have been failing naturally and would likely collapse under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 75cm of recent storm snow is being reported in sheltered areas with up to 150cm in wind loaded areas. Weaknesses within or at the base of the new storm snow may need a couple days to settle and strengthen. Southerly winds have created very deep and dense slabs in lee terrain, probably well below ridge crests, while scouring windward slopes. Cornices are large and fragile. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

More snow and wind means that widespread storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human-triggering, especially in wind loaded terrain.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain. >The new snow will requires several days to settle and stabilize. >Avoid freshly wind loaded features. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Cornices

Cornices are large and fragile, avoid lingering under overhead hazard or venturing close to ridge edges.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 14th, 2016 2:00PM