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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 11th, 2015–Apr 12th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Use caution in wind loaded terrain and on big features.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm of snow, freezing level at 1000m, strong westerly winds.MONDAY: Cloudy with flurries,10 to 15cm of snow, freezing level around 1200m, and winds moderate from the South.TUESDAY: A break in the weather, cloudy with sunny periods, freezing level may go to 1200m, wind from the South West.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of avalanche activity in the Sea to Sky region, (yet..), probably because the storm is just beginning. Expect wind slab activity and cornice failures with the current weather pattern and increased loading. Solar aspects will be come active when the sun comes out.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of recent precipitation on a variety of crusts and old surfaces. Surface hoar and facets in sheltered locations from the recent clear weather. Moderate to strong south west winds will redistribute the storm snow into wind slabs on the lee sides of ridge tops. A facet/crust layer buried in mid-March has been producing hard and sudden results in snowpack tests. This remains a concern in the region due to it's potential to produce very large avalanches. Cornices are also a concern these days. A cornice failure may trigger a large destructive avalanche.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

15 to 20cm new snow with strong winds will build slabs on lee features. In some locations these slabs sit on facets and surface hoar from the last clear period and may be quite touchy
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

We haven't had much activity on this slab-over-weak layer recently, but it's worth remembering.
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of a buried crust/facet layer.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Cornices

New snow loading will make some cornice features quite fragile.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4