Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Dec 31, 2011 – Jan 1, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Deep and dense wind slabs exist below ridge crests, behind terrain features and in cross-loaded gullies. New wind slabs will form with forecast weather.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Weaknesses within and at the base of the storm snow may be triggered naturally by the weight of a person/sled. Storm slabs could fail on deep persistent weaknesses.

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertainfor the entire period

Weather Forecast

Sunday: 5-7cm of snow / strong south winds / Freezing levels between 1000-1800mMonday: 8-12 cm of snow / strong south winds / Freezing levels between 1000-1800m.Tuesday: light snowfall / moderate southwest winds / Freezing levels at 1000m.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous Size 1-2 slab avalanches (both natural and human triggered) have been reported in the past 2 days.

Snowpack Summary

The total snowfall in the past week has amounted to 100-180cm. Weaknesses exist within, and at the base of, the storm snow. New and old wind slabs have formed in exposed NW-E facing slopes, 1m deep in some areas. Cornices have grown large and could act as a trigger for large avalanches. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline.

Regions covered