Avalanche Forecast
Sea To Sky
Continued warm temperatures will make the snow surface moist and primed for loose wet avalanches on steep terrain.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Summary
Under rapid warming conditions, slab avalanches are possible above 1500 m where recent new snow has fallen. Loose snow avalanches are possible on steep terrain at all elevations, but will be most likely on southerly aspects if the sun comes out.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures at all elevations are consolidating the snowpack and making the surface moist. At elevations above approximately 1500 m precipitation from the previous storm fell as snow, while below that elevation, rain fell. At higher elevations, it's possible a layer of cold snow has become trapped under the most recent storm slab, increasing the likelihood of seeing slab avalanche activity. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about a thick crust buried 30-50 cm below the surface that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m.
Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.
Weather Forecast
Monday: Cloud building through the day. Rain and then snow starting in the evening. Freezing level 2600m falling rapidly in the evening. Light southeasterly winds.
Tuesday: up to 10 cm new snow. Freezing level around 1400 m. Moderate southwesterly winds.
Wednesday: 10-15 cm new snow. Freezing level around 1000m. Strong southerly winds.
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Very warm temperatures will release loose snow avalanches in steep terrain. Slopes that are affected by the sun are more likely to produce avalanches that gain mass.