Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2019 3:14PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

As the snowpack warms during the day, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 10 cm accumulating by Tuesday morning / northwest wind, 10-25 km/h / alpine low temperature -3 C C / freezing level 1200 mTUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / west wind, 15-25 km/h / alpine high temperature -1 C / freezing level 1800 mWEDNESDAY: Flurries, 5-20 cm snow / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature -4 C / freezing level 1400 mTHURSDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods / north wind, 15-35 km/h / alpine high temperature 0 C / freezing level 1800 m

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control work with explosives triggered mostly small storm slabs (size 1-1.5) and cornices in alpine and treeline on Sunday; these avalanches failed on the storm snow - melt-freeze crust interface.On Saturday, small (size 1-1.5) storm slabs and wind slabs were reactive to skier traffic. Cornices were reactive to explosives and triggered large (size 2) slab avalanches as they fell on the slopes below. Small storm slabs were triggered by skiers on Friday, within the recent storm snow up to 40 cm thick. The likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will increase if the sun shines, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Snowpack Summary

Snowfall accumulated over the weekend and continuing flurries have been moved by south and westerly winds forming slabs in the alpine and upper treeline. This covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar and on high north-facing terrain. Expect a snowpack that changes with elevation and through the day, between 1200-1800 m sun and warm temperatures are producing a moist snowpack. Below 1200 m the snow is melting rapidly.With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.

Problems

Loose Wet

The recent snow will moisten quickly if the clouds clear. Loose wet avalanches can become dangerous quickly, so use added caution when the sun is out.

Avoid sun-exposed slopes and overhead exposure during periods of intense sun.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Cornice falls could trigger avalanches on slopes below them.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Recent snowfall was redistributed by wind around ridgelines and into the alpine. Use caution around immediate lee features and steep, convex slopes.

Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Expect conditions to change rapidly with elevation.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2019 2:00PM