Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2016 8:32AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Low Danger doesn't mean No Danger. Make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud for the forecast period. Ridgetop winds should remain mainly light while freezing levels will hover around 500m.

Avalanche Summary

Small soft wind slabs were reported on lee slopes at alpine elevations near Whistler on Tuesday and Wednesday. I expect warmer temperatures should help these slabs settle in place rather quickly.

Snowpack Summary

As much as 20 cm of snow from the last couple of days covers a medley of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Southerly or easterly winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Time and moderate temperatures have likely helped to strengthen recently formed wind slabs. That said, small wind slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering in isolated lee slopes.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2016 2:00PM