Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Sea To Sky.
35-55 cm of recent snow and moderate southerly winds have formed large storm slabs that are likely to remain reactive to human triggers; especially in wind affected terrain.
Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Clear / Light southeast wind / Low of -9 / Freezing level 600 m.
Wednesday: Sunny, with increasing cloudiness in afternoon. / Moderate southeast wind / High of 3 / Freezing level 1700 m.
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast wind / High of 3 / Freezing level 1700 m.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northeast wind / High of 4 / Freezing level 1800 m.
Avalanche Summary
A natural storm slab avalanche cycle to size 2 occurred Monday night. The most numerous avalanches were reported on northerly aspects in the alpine that had been loaded by the wind.
We currently have very limited avalanche observation data from this region.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Photos of current conditions and avalanches are the most helpful.Â
Snowpack Summary
35-55 cm of recent snow and moderate southerly winds have formed large storm slabs that are likely to remain reactive to human triggers. Expect the storm slabs to be most reactive on lee features at treeline and above.
The recent snow is sitting on a variety of hard snow surfaces, including crusts and wind scoured snow. Below this, there are several crusts in the upper snowpack, but they are unlikely to be a concern in most areas until the next significant warming event.
Terrain and Travel
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
35-55 cm of recent snow and moderate southerly winds have formed large storm slabs that are likely to remain reactive to human triggers; especially in wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Expect a wet loose natural avalanche cycle to occur when the sun comes out.
Stay well away from any large slopes that are in the sunshine.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. They create a significant falling hazard, and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below.
Cornice failures are more likely during hot and sunny weather.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3