Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2014 8:34AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Heavy snowfall Tuesday night becoming light on Wednesday / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mThursday: Heavy snowfall / Moderate to strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mFriday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000m

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural and human-triggered size 1.5 storm slabs were observed in alpine terrain on Tuesday. With incoming weather I would expect ongoing touchy storm slab activity with increasing size throughout the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Between 15 and 30cm of new snow overlies a medley of old surfaces which include: weak surface facets, surface hoar, thin wind slabs, a scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Reports from the field indicate a poor bond between the new snow and these old surfaces. Strong to extreme winds are shifting the new snow into deeper, reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain. With more snow on the way, the reactivity and destructive potential of the developing storm slab should also increase. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in some parts of the region, but triggering has become unlikely.

Problems

Storm Slabs

A touchy storm slab, which is likely more reactive in wind-affected terrain, sits over a variety of potentially weak surfaces. With more snow on the way, conservative terrain selection will become critical.

The touchy conditions will require extreme caution if traveling in the mountains.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use conservative route selection, stick to moderate angled terrain with low consequence.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2014 2:00PM