Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Apr 5 – 6, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche activity is possible on steep solar aspects if the sun peeks out.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5
    Large fragile cornices are a hazard in themselves, but can also act as a trigger for large avalanches.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Persistent slabs are most likely to be triggered with a large load like cornice fall; or by a person in a thin or variable-depth snowpack spot.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Recent snow and wind have formed slabs which could be triggered with the weight of a person.

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Light snow. Moderate southerly winds. Freezing level near 1700 m.SATURDAY: Moderate snow. Light winds. Freezing level near 1800 m.SUNDAY: Light snow. Light winds. Freezing level near 1400 m.Click here for more information in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Skiers triggered two large persistent slabs on Wednesday. One was reported as a size 3, 50-200 cm deep. Several loose wet avalanches were observed on steep sunny slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow and wind are combining to create new slabs. Cornices are reported to be large and fragile. New snow will overlie various old surfaces including previous storm snow, melt freeze crusts on sunny aspects, scoured old hard wind slabs and dry snow.A weak layer consisting of surface hoar, facets or a sun crust buried in late March is now down about 60-80 cm. This is patchy in its distribution, but is still producing sporadic large avalanches. It is mostly likely to be problematic on shady aspects between 1900m and 2250m.The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled.

Regions covered