Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Sea To Sky.
An intense storm passing through the region will leave fresh storm slabs primed for human triggering.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Heavy snowfall overnight with 20-35 cm by the morning, 50-80 km/h wind from the southwest, snow line around 1200 m, alpine temperatures around -5 C.
WEDNESDAY: Snow ending in the morning and then cloudy in the afternoon, light wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -3 C.
FRIDAY: 5-10 cm of snow, 40 km/h wind from the southwest, alpine high temperatures around -1 C.
Avalanche Summary
Minimal avalanche activity has been reported over the past week as the snowpack is generally thin and the weather has been benign. That is changing as significant amounts of new snow and wind are expected to form fresh slabs this week. The greatest concern will be in wind affected terrain and where the snow falls onto smooth surfaces (such as areas where there is enough snow to cover rocks and trees).
Snowpack Summary
A stormy week will bring much needed snow to the Sea to Sky region. A total of 20-35 cm of fresh snow is possible by Wednesday morning, with deeper deposits in wind affected terrain. The new snow will cover firm wind pressed snow and hard crusts. Typical snowpack depths in the alpine currently range between 50 and 150 cm, depending on the amount of wind affect. Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation with minimal snow below 1800 m.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
With 20-35 cm of snow expected on Monday night, expect to find fresh and reactive storm slabs at upper elevations, especially on slopes that have been loaded by the wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2