Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2018 5:41PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Freshly formed storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggers, especially in wind effected areas at treeline and above.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries / Light southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level around 500m.SATURDAY:10-15 cm of new snow / Light to moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level around 700m.SUNDAY: 25-40 cm of new snow / Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rapidly rising to 1800m.

Avalanche Summary

Over a dozen explosive and human triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on all aspects and elevations near Whistler on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

30-40 cm of new snow on Thursday morningÂ brings recent storm totals to around 170 cm which continues to be redistributed by strong southeasterly winds. Last weekend's storm likely created dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth is also expected to have occurred.200-250 cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried mid-January and is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Most reports suggest an improving bond at this interface, but the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

30-40cm of new snow and strong winds continue to create touchy storm slabs reactive to human triggers.

The new snow will take time to settle and stabilize.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

Large amounts of recent new snow and high winds are creating rapid cornice growth.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Falling cornices may trigger large avalanches on the slopes below.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2018 2:00PM