Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2016 8:23AM

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

istorm, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Assess local conditions and use extra caution as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

With no significant weather makers in the area, Wednesday's light flurries should give way to dry weather Thursday, and then stay dry for several days. Wednesday's cloudy sky should clear to become more of a mix of sun & clouds starting Thursday. Temperatures should cool a couple of degrees on Thursday with freezing level around 1000m Thursday through Saturday, falling overnight to around 500m. Winds are forecast to come from the East or Northeast but remain light through Saturday. For more information see www.avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

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

Snowpack Summary

As much as 20 cm of snow over 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

Recent new snow and wind suggest fresh windslabs on lee and cross-loaded slopes.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Watch for wind-slabs in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2016 2:00PM