Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2019 4:34PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Human triggered avalanches will be possible on freshly loaded slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Flurries starting overnight with accumulations of 2-5 cm by the morning, moderate west wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulations of 5-15 cm, strong southwest wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulations of 1 to 3 cm, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -10 C.SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light southeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, a skier triggered a size 1.5 wind slab avalanche on a steep, rocky, south-facing slope near Whistler. No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Expect 5-15 cm of new snow along with strong southwest wind on Friday to reshape the snow surface and form fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain. The new snow will bury a sun crust on south-facing slopes. In sheltered areas, 10 to 30 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

Wind Slabs

New snow will likely form reactive wind slabs at higher elevations. Older wind slabs linger on all aspects.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2019 2:00PM