Sea To Sky

Strong wind changed direction during the last storm from south to north and formed wind slabs on all aspects. Wind slabs might still be sensitive to human triggers especially when exposed to the sun.

• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

Saturday Night: Clear, light to moderate northwest wind, alpine high -12 C, freezing level 600 m.

Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, alpine high -6 C, freezing level 900 m.

Monday: Mostly sunny, light northerly wind, alpine high -3 C, freezing level 1300 m.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, light southwest wind, alpine high -3 C, freezing level 900 m.

On Friday a few large (size 2) slab avalanches were triggered with explosives, one released naturally. Explosive control on cornices was successful and resulted in large (size 2-2.5) avalanches. Several small (size 1) slab avalanches were triggered by skiers.

On Thursday a few small (size 1) slab and loose dry avalanches were reported. 

On Wednesday several small (size 1) slab avalanches were triggered by explosives and skiers. Several small (size 1) and one large (size 2) loose dry avalanche were reported in the north of the region.

There was also a report of two size 3-3.5 naturally triggered deep persistent avalanches on a northwest aspect at 2600m. These would have run during or just after the storm on the weekend.

Extreme southerly wind during the last storm shifted to strong northerly wind and created wind slabs on all aspects. The snow surface is heavily wind affected at treeline and in the alpine. The recent storm snow sits on a rain crust below 1900 m. It is uncertain how well the snow bonds to the crust. 

Weak faceted grains and crusts near the base of the snowpack have not been an active avalanche problem recently, despite significant new snow loads. They are still on our radar, especially in inland parts of the region.