Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 20th, 2013 9:49AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 900mFriday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 900mSaturday: Light snowfall / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 700m

Avalanche Summary

We continue to receive observations of isolated small soft slabs in the alpine that are sensitive to skier triggering. Click on the link below for information on a recent slab avalanche that was reported from Rainbow mountain.Rainbow Mountain Avalanche

Snowpack Summary

On Wednesday very light snowfall covered reportedly widespread surface hoar. Relatively small pockets of wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. but may be triggered by skiers in isolated pieces of terrain near ridge crest. Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Light amounts of new snow combined with moderate winds are likely to form new wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 21st, 2013 2:00PM