Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2019 4:17PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Moderate danger means that it is possible for humans to trigger avalanches in specific areas. Use caution in wind-affected terrain, where wind slabs may still be present.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, freezing level below valley bottom.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 700 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with early-morning snowfall then clearing, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, moderate west winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m in the late afternoon.THURSDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light northwest winds, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity quieted down on Sunday, with skiers and explosives triggering a few small (size 1) wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. On Friday and Saturday, many small to large (size 1 to 2) slab avalanches within the storm snow were triggered naturally, by skiers, and with explosives. For examples, check out the MIN reports here and here.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find extensive wind effect in exposed terrain at all elevation bands. Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow may sit on a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. You may find deeper snow deposits in wind-loaded terrain features.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect the deepest and touchiest slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features, such as near ridges. Use caution on all aspects without wind effect, as the recent snow may not bond well to underlying layers.

Watch for signs of instability, such as whumpfing, cracking, or recent avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2019 2:00PM