Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2012 3:00PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Light snow, perhaps 10cm, easing by afternoon. Cool temperatures. Moderate south-west winds. Sunday: A cold day with flurries possible. Northerly winds.Monday: Cold in the valleys with sunny skies and warmer temperatures in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

At treeline, snowpack depths are around 250cm.A hard surface crust exists in many places, even up into the alpine. Surface hoar is growing on this surface. The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength.Recent winds have led to wind slab development occurring on north and east aspects, but also some on south aspects. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in areas you know to be unusually shallow, or where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. Be alert for wind slabs in atypical places as the wind shifts direction over the next few days.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Several cornice collapses have been noted in this region recently due to warm alpine temperatures.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 14th, 2012 8:00AM