Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2014 8:36AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Monday: The ridge of high pressure is expected to shift Eastwards allowing a weak front to approach the coast. Expect increasing cloud during the day with light Southerly winds. Freezing levels should gradually lower to about 2000 metres as the inversion breaks down.Tuesday: Cloudy with light precipitation beginning in the afternoon. Winds increasing to moderate from the Southwest and freezing levels between 1000-1500 metres.Wednesday: 5-10 cm of snow above 1000 metres. Winds moderate from the West.

Avalanche Summary

Some loose wet avalanches up to size 2.0 were reported from the Backcountry near Whistler.

Snowpack Summary

It has been very warm in the alpine for the past few days. There has not been much crust recovery above treeline, and the surface snow has been described as slushy. The snowpack appears to be a well settled "spring" like snowpack, however the snowpack is very shallow and weak facetted base layers continue to be found.

Problems

Loose Wet

Increased cloud should reduce the effect of solar radiation and make triggering less likely. Mostly a problem on Southerly aspects in very steep terrain.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Particularly a concern on shallow rocky southern aspects with heavy triggers. Warm temperatures and sun-exposure is expected to increase the likelihood of triggering these facets deep in the snowpack. Cornice falls could also act as natural triggers.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Use caution on rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>Use caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid exposure to sun exposed slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 7

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2014 2:00PM