Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2016 7:03AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Sea To Sky.

Watch the winds! Avalanche danger could be higher at treeline in the parts of the region that see moderate winds. Back off if you notice blowing or drifting snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: flurries starting overnight and becoming heavy snow through the day with accumulations of 10 to 20cm expected, light to moderate southwesterly winds, 1400m freezing level. MONDAY: flurries, light southerly winds, 1200m freezing level. TUESDAY: snow starting overnight with up to 20cm possible by the end of the day, light to moderate southerly winds, 1200m freezing level.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Friday. Earlier in the week a few size 1-2 wind slabs were triggered naturally and by skiers, however this activity seems to have slowed. Cornices are reported to be large and fragile, and may fail under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and weak.Â A refreeze crust may cap moist snow bellow treeline and on solar slopes into the alpine. Older wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be reactive to human triggers, especially in steep lee features in the alpine, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack depending on aspect and elevation. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick, widespread crust.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Moderate winds and new snow will form fresh slabs through the day, especially in steep and/or lee features in the alpine and at treeline features

Avoid wind loaded features by travelling on ridges and ribs.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices are reported to be large and weak. The weight of a person may be enough to cause a cornice failure.

Stay well back from cornices.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2016 2:00PM