Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2018 4:08PM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Temperatures of up to 10C are expected. This will destabilize surface snow and could also release storm slab avalanches at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Warm, dry and sunny. Freezing level rising to 3400m. Temperatures at 2000m expected to reach 10C. Light winds.Monday: Slightly cooler temperatures, but still a warm day. Freezing level around 2500m. Temperatures at 2000m around 5C. Cloud building through the day with rain starting in the afternoon or evening.Tuesday: Rain to around 2000 m with snow above. Amounts: 15-20mm. Strong southeasterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Under rapid warming conditions, slab avalanches are possible above 1500 m where recent new snow has fallen. Loose snow avalanches are possible on steep terrain at all elevations, but will be most likely on southerly aspects if the sun comes out.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures at all elevations are consolidating the snowpack and making the surface moist. At elevations above approximately 1500 m precipitation from the previous storm fell as snow, while below that elevation, rain fell. At higher elevations, it's possible a layer of cold snow has become trapped under the most recent storm slab, increasing the likelihood of seeing slab avalanche activity. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about a thick crust buried 30-50 cm below the surface that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.

Problems

Loose Wet

Very warm temperatures will certainly release loose snow avalanches in steep terrain. Slopes that are affected by the sun are more likely to produce avalanches that gain mass.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Certain

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are expected to respond to alpine temperatures of up to 10C on slopes above 1500 m.

Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.The new snow may require a few days to settle and stabilize.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 14th, 2018 2:00PM