Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2017 3:15PM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Successive moderate storms will keep danger elevated, particularly in steep, wind-affected terrain. If the 24 hour snow amounts exceed 25 cm, bump avalanche danger up by one rating.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Thursday: 10-15 cm new snow expected with freezing levels around 1000 m. Strong southwesterly winds.Friday: 10-15 cm new snow expected with freezing levels around 1000 m. Moderate southwesterly winds.Saturday: 5 cm new snow expected with freezing levels around 900 m. Moderate southwesterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Ski cutting produced soft slab avalanches up to size 1.5 in recent storm snow at treeline and alpine elevations on Tuesday. Similar results would be expected for Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30-40 cm new snow now sits on top of a rain crust (or multiple crusts) that formed during the recent wet weather. Strong winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Snowpack depths are typically around 140 cm in sheltered treeline locations, although deeper (and shallower) spots certainly exist on account of the strong winds.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are building over a crust layer. This layer may slide easily, particularly on steep convex terrain or where the wind has blown it into more cohesive slabs.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded featuresUse ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2017 2:00PM