Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2019 3:55PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Moderate danger means that it is possible for humans to trigger avalanches in specific areas. Use caution in wind-affected terrain, where wind slabs may still be reactive.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, freezing level below valley bottom.MONDAY: Clear skies, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -9 C, freezing level below valley bottom.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 700 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall then clearing, accumulation 10 cm, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity quieted down on Sunday, with a few small (size 1) wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine from explosives. On Friday and Saturday, many small to large (size 1 to 2) slab avalanches within the storm snow were triggered naturally, by skiers, and with explosives. For examples, check out the MIN reports here and here.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow was redistributed from extreme south winds. Expect to find extensive wind effect in exposed terrain at all elevation bands. The snow may sit on a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas, and sugary faceted snow elsewhere. The recent snow may not bond well to these layers.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect the deepest and touchiest slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features, such as near ridges. Use caution on all aspects without wind effect, as the recent snow may not bond well to underlying layers.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Watch for signs of instability, such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2019 2:00PM