Sea To Sky

Outflow winds have built new slabs on south aspects.

Continue to assess conditions as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Moderate

• We are confident due to a stable weather pattern.
• We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

On Tuesday, several size 1 to 1.5 wind slab avalanches were reported in the region. These avalanches were triggered naturally, by explosives, and by skiers.

Over the previous 3 days several, small  wind slab and dry loose avalanches have been observed in the region. These avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers in steep terrain.

10 to 25 cm of recent snow with moderate to strong southerly wind has buried a variety of surfaces including a layer of surface hoar in sheltered treeline features and a sun crust on east through west aspects. The surface is faceting in the cold temperatures and may be sun affected on south facing slopes.

The early February crust/facet layer is down 30 to 60 cm.

Another widespread crust and facet layer from late January is buried 40 to 100 cm deep.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.

Thursday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.