Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2013 9:48AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Danger could INCREASE TO CONSIDERABLE with intense radiation on south and west aspects, especially at treeline and below. Be aware of how the warm weather is changing the snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Generally clear skies are expected on Sunday and Monday with increasing cloud on Tuesday. Winds will be mostly light from the southwest. Freezing levels may reach 3200m on Sunday, 2500m on Monday and then 2100m on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet sluffs up to size 2.0 have been reported on south and west aspects. Isolated large cornice falls have also been reported; none of these recent cornice events have pulled slabs on the slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions below 2000m on all aspects, and to ridgecrest on south and west facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on south aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.

Problems

Loose Wet

Direct sun and/or warm temperatures may trigger loose snow avalanches.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and weak. Daytime warming and/or direct sunshine could cause cornices to fail, possibly triggering a slab on the slope below.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2013 2:00PM