Sea To Sky

The danger remains elevated in alpine terrain where recent snow and wind formed large slabs and cornices.

Moderate

• We are uncertain about how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Saturday, several wind slabs and cornices were triggered by explosives in the alpine in the size 1 to 2 range, with one size 2.5.

A widespread cycle of wet avalanches occurred during the atmospheric river last week, producing both slab and loose avalanches up to size 3.5, along with large cornice failures.

With cooler temperatures, the main concern has shifted to lingering wind slabs and cornices in the alpine.

2–10 cm of dry new snow fell Saturday night, accompanied by strong southerly winds. This new snow overlies a widespread, thick and hard crust below about 2000 m, and 10–40 cm of older storm snow on sheltered upper-elevation lee slopes. On sunny aspects, the surface crust may soften tomorrow, potentially improving riding conditions throughout the day.

Deeper in the snowpack, older weak layers 70–100+ cm below the surface were active during the recent cycle, but are now becoming less of a concern as colder temperatures promote strengthening.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level falling to 600 m.

Monday
Mostly sunny. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 35 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.