Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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North Columbia.

Start and finish your day early. Warm temperature and sunshine may destabilize the snowpack throughout the day, especially on steep slopes that are baking in the sun.

The best and safest riding will be in high north-facing terrain that is free from cornices overhead.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom. 15-30km/h west winds.

TUESDAY: Mainly clear. Freezing level rising to 2000-2500 m in the afternoon. Light variable winds. 

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, 5-10 cm of accumulation. Freezing level around 1500 m. 20-40 km/h west winds. 

THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, trace accumulation. Freezing level around 1500 m. 20-50 km/h west winds. 

Avalanche Summary

Several wet loose avalanches were observed on Sunday at treeline and below (size 1-2.5). A few small human-triggered wind slabs were observed in the alpine (size 1).

The last persistent slab avalanches in the region were on March 24th and 25th. One was a large (size 3) natural avalanche that was observed at 2000 m on an east aspect. The other two both occurred on south-facing alpine slopes. One was a large (size 2.5) natural avalanche and the other was a small (size 1.5) slab remotely triggered by riders. This layer is expected to become dormant after being tested by significant warming followed by cooling temperatures. 

Snowpack Summary

Above 2000 m, up to 20 cm of recent snow and southwest winds may have formed small wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below 2000 m a refrozen crust can be found. This crust is expected to break down throughout the day on solar aspects and at low elevations with sun and warm temperatures. Below the crust, the top 10-30 cm of the snowpack is moist. 

Several other crust layers exist in the upper snowpack, that have shown no recent reactivity. The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Sun and warm temperatures will weaken the snow surface on sun-exposed slopes, creating wet avalanches out of steep terrain. Watch for wet and heavy surface snow.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may exist in steep, lee terrain features in the alpine. These wind slabs will be most reactive where they overlie a slick crust.

Warm temperatures may cause cornices to become weak. Cornice failures are dangerous on their own, but also have the potential to trigger larger avalanches on the slopes below.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2022 4:00PM

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