Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Apr 13 – 14, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–7
    Persistent slab avalanches have become less likely, but remain possible, especially with a large trigger like cornice fall.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–6
    Warm temperatures or sunshine may weaken surface snow, especially at low elevations. Avoid traveling above terrain traps or under any slopes which have glide cracks.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level around 1700 m. Minimal wind.Sunday: Warm and dry, with increasing cloud and winds increasing from the SW in the afternoon. Freezing level around 1600 m. Monday: Light to moderate precipitation, mostly falling in the early morning. Moderate SW winds. Freezing level around 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent observations include cornice falls (size 1-2) and glide slab releases to size 3.5. Loose moist avalanches were observed during warm sunny weather earlier in the week.

Snowpack Summary

A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations). A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a lingering concern. A melt-freeze crust can be found on all aspects below about 2200 m. On high north aspects, dry snow may still be found. Conditions may be quite icy in the morning, so travel with care. Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.

Regions covered