Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2019 5:30PM

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

ldreier, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

The sun is out again warming the new snow on slopes exposed to the sun. Recent wind slabs might still be found in the alpine on northerly aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clearing, trace of snow, light to moderate Northerly winds, freezing level at 900 m.WEDNESDAY: Clear with a few clouds, moderate southeast winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level at 1700 m.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light Easterly winds, alpine temperatures of -4 C, freezing level at 1800 m.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light Easterly winds, alpine temperatures of -2 C, freezing level at 1900 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday the expected solar input might trigger the new snow as loose wet avalanches.On Tuesday several loose avalanches and slab avalanches up to size 2 which released in the recent storm snow were reported. No avalanche activity was reported on Sunday and Monday.In the far north of the region on Friday and Saturday loose wet avalanche activity to size 2 was reported on solar aspects. Sporadic natural slab avalanches were also reported in the alpine and treeline, but no activity was reported from north aspects. Very little activity was reported from areas closer to Whistler.

Snowpack Summary

The recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are overlying a variety of snow layers. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper is gaining strength in consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

The sun will affect the new snow and increase the potential for triggering loose wet avalanches.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs can still be found in alpine lee terrain features. With the warm temperatures this wind slab layer will soon be well bonded with the underlying layers.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2019 2:00PM