Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Feb 28 – 29, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Reactive soft slabs can be found in wind loaded areas and steep unsupported slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Cornices are reported to be large and weak. Several have collapsed recently and the weight of a person may be enough to cause a cornice failure.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Moderate winds and new snow have formed fresh slabs, especially in steep and/or lee features in the alpine and at treeline features 

Confidence

Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: up to 10cm of snow overnight with isolated flurries through the day, light and variable winds, 1200m freezing level. TUESDAY: light snow overnight becoming heavy through the day with accumulations of 20-30cm expected, moderate southerly winds 1500m freezing level. WEDNESDAY: lingering flurries, light westerly winds, 1500m freezing level.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of new size 1-2 wind slabs were triggered naturally and by skiers over the weekend.  A natural avalanche cycle is expected to have occurred through the storm on Sunday.  Cornices are still large and fragile; they have been reported to be failing naturally and would likely collapse under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate snowfall and winds have formed fresh soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow sits on a crust at treeline and below as well as up to an elevation of about 2200m on aspects that see direct sun. Cornices are large and weak.  The midpack is generally well settled.

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