Avalanche forecast

Sea To Sky

Mar 25 – 26, 2016Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Storm slabs will require special attention until the recent snow settles and bonds. Make careful terrain choices as the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Cornices have grown large and may become unstable with rising temperatures and recent loading.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    15 to 20 cm of recent storm snow sitting on a variety of old surfaces. Melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, and temperature crusts on some northerly aspects.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Be cautious of southerly aspects, especially at lower elevations and during the heat of the day.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

A weak ridge of high pressure will cross the region today and tomorrow bringing warmer temperatures and some sunny skies, then moves on as a cold front follows and crosses the coast on Sunday. On Monday a high pressure ridge will begin to establish itself to the west of the coast, blocking incoming Pacific moisture for the next few days. TODAY: Freezing level rising to around 1500 m, no precipitation expected, winds are forecast to be light southwest. SATURDAY: Cloudy, freezing level around 1500 m, no precipitation expected, winds mostly from the south. SUNDAY: Freezing level lowers briefly to around 1200 m, 5 to 15 cm of snow possible, light southwest winds are forecast. MONDAY: Sunny skies with some cloudy periods, no precipitation in the forecast, freezing level climbing to 2000 m, winds from the south. For more detailed mountain weather information visit: https://avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

Reports of avalanche activity on Thursday were mostly of small storm and wind slabs on old surfaces including the March 23rd crust. Although not reported,  I would suspect that there were natural storm slab failures on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 30 cm of storm snow fell between Wednesday night and Thursday accompanied by moderate south/southwest wind.  W now have storm and wind slabs at treeline and above. Below the new snow, the snowpack is strong and well-settled throughout with no notable persistent weaknesses. South slopes become moist/wet quickly with the strong spring sun. Cornices are huge and fragile.

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