Avalanche Forecast
Sea To Sky
Wind slabs are expected to be problematic Monday, 25 to 40 cm of recent snow has been formed into a cohesive slab that likely remains sensitive to human triggering. Choose wind sheltered terrain features to avoid the problem and find the best riding!
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Avalanche Problem 2: Cornices
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Large cornices have formed along ridgelines. Cornices are inherently unstable, unpredictable, and demand respect, especially when the sun is out.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Firm cornices may pull back into flat terrain at ridgetop if they fail.
- Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry avalanches and storm slabs were rampant on Saturday to size 1.5. These avalanches were 5 to 20 cm in depth, some failed naturally while others were triggered by skiers and explosive control work.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 to 20 cm of storm snow fell on Friday and another 15 to 20 cm fell Saturday night into Sunday. Strong to extreme winds out of the south and southeast were recorded in the early hours of Sunday as the storm exited the region. Previous storms have been accompanied by strong south winds. All of this snow fell on previously wind-affected surfaces as well as a sun crust on solar aspects. Also make note of cornices at ridgeline. Variable winds in the past month have produced cornices on all aspects. They will become touchier as they grow in size, as temperatures rise, and as the sun packs a strong punch on clear days.
Weather Forecast
The work week kicks off with a rather disorganized pattern that is not expected to generate any significant snowfall, but a significant change looks to be in store as a vigorous low approaches the Sea to Sky region Wednesday afternoon.
MONDAY: Clear skies in the morning, a few clouds building in the afternoon, freezing level around 500 m, light west/northwest wind, no significant snowfall expected.
TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 750 m, moderate to strong west/northwest wind, trace of snow possible.
WEDNESDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 750 m, potentially strong to extreme south/southwest wind, copious amounts of precipitation possible, but the latest model run shows about 10 cm of snow. Stay tuned for more details.
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Strong wind has formed wind slabs that are expected to remain sensitive to human triggering Monday. Wind slabs will be particularly problematic in lee terrain features near ridge crest.