Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Mar 11 – 12, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Watch for blowing snow. New wind slabs could form throughout the day, If strong winds are observed wind slabs could be further down slope than expected.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Southerly winds continue to form wind slabs near ridge crests on lee features at treeline and above.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several skier triggered size 1 wind slab avalanches were reported on westerly aspects in the alpine near Whistler over the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

A new crust exists just below the surface on solar aspects as well as on all aspects below treeline. Ongoing southerly winds have formed wind slabs near ridge crests at treeline and above. The above mentioned wind have also formed large cornices. Up to 20 cm of soft snow can still be found on sheltered northerly aspects.

A couple crusts with facets sitting above them can be found at treeline and above down 60-180 cm.

The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected. Moderate southerly winds and a low of -8°C at 1800 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with around 5 cm of new snow. Light to moderate southerly winds and a high of -5°C at 1800 m.

Sunday

Stormy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. Moderate to strong southerly winds and a high of -4°C at 1800 m with freezing levels rising to 1200 m.

Monday

Stormy with up to 20 cm of new snow expected. Moderate to strong southerly winds and a high of -4°C at 1800 m, freezing level rising to 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Regions covered