Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2019 4:08PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Expect to find extensive wind effect, resulting from recent extreme winds. Travel cautiously and observe for the bond of the snow with underlying layers before committing to avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, light to moderate west winds, freezing level 1000 m.SUNDAY: Clearing skies, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 900 m.MONDAY: Clear with a few clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 600 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 700 m.

Avalanche Summary

Many small to large (size 1 to 2) slab avalanches with the storm snow were triggered naturally, by skiers, and with explosives on Friday and Saturday. See here for an example.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow fell in the region, with associated extreme south winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow has been redistributed by extreme southwest winds. Expect the deepest and touchiest slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Use caution on all aspects without wind effect, as the recent snow may not bond well to underlying layers.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2019 2:00PM