Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Mar 8 – 9, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.

Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind slabs may remain reactive on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Cornices are large and may fail with daytime heating. Cornice failures act as heavy triggers and can trigger large avalanches on slopes that a single rider would not trigger.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Two cornice triggered size 2-2.5 wind slab avalanches were reported on a northwest aspect at 1800 m in the Brandywine zone on Monday. One of them hit the Chocolate Bowl access trail.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and may fail with daytime heating.

10 cm of new snow from convective flurries. Moderate southeasterly wind continue to form wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above. These slabs are sitting on either hard surfaces or small facets.

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

Tuesday Night

Clear skies / Light south ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline -10 C / Freezing level valley bottom.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny / Light southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm / Light southwest ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline -4 C / Freezing level 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Avoid travelling on slopes below cornices.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

Regions covered