Sea To Sky

Natural avalanches are unlikely but small, isolated rider triggerable wind slabs could exist.

Stepping out into big terrain with good travel habits and group management is appropriate.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

On Tuesday numerous natural, wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed. These avalanches occurred in steep, rocky south facing terrain.

Surface snow conditions are variable. On steep, sun-exposed slopes, a new crust is present and may soften with solar input. On north-facing slopes above 2100 m, 15 to 30 cm of dry, wind-affected snow can be found.

The mid December crust is 100 to 200 cm deep and well bonded to the snow above. Above 2200 m, this crust is absent and an old crust complex and faceted snow from November is found at the base of the snowpack.

Wednesday Night

Clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Saturday

Cloudy. 20 to 40 cm of snow at treeline and above, rain at low elevations. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.