Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2015 9:23AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

New snow with a rapid rise in temperatures could significantly up the hazard in select locations.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Pacific moisture will move through the region today and Thursday bringing a possible 10 to 15cm of snow at higher elevations. Ridge top winds are forecast to be moderate and southwesterly with Wednesday's system, then switching to South on Thursday and Friday. Freezing levels should drop to about 1600m for Wednesday and Thursday, then rise to 3000m on Friday. The next precipitation will arrive on Saturday

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Forecast sunny skies may increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches on solar aspects, as well as cornice failures.

Snowpack Summary

Melt-freeze conditions can be found on solar aspects in the alpine, and on all aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing terrain, old wind slabs and surface facets still exist. The snowpack is generally strong and well settled. However, be aware that cornices may become weak with daytime warming.

Problems

Cornices

Incoming new snow may bring a new wind slab problem, pay close attention to how the new snow is deposited. Rising temperatures on Friday may significantly change the hazard.

Stay well back from cornices.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2015 2:00PM