Avalanche 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.

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).

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.