Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
We're in the time of year where you may find a different avalanche problem on every aspect and elevation. Carefully assess your local conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with rain switching to snow, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 2000 m dropping to 1100 m.
THURSDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level rising to 1600 m.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, 20 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -1 C.
Avalanche Summary
A large (size 3) persistent slab avalanche was observed on an east aspect in alpine terrain, likely releasing on the weak layer described in the Snowpack Summary. This layer continues to produce a few avalanches each day. The layer should be treated as suspect anywhere it exists.
Snowpack Summary
Above around 2000 m, new snow will accumulate with strong southwest wind, possibly forming new wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below around 2000 m, a moist snow surface or hard melt-freeze crust will be found. The snow surface may moisten during daytime warming, particularly on sun-exposed slopes.
A weak layer may be found around 50 to 100 cm deep. The layer consists of surface hoar crystals in treeline terrain in areas sheltered from the wind and otherwise a hard melt-freeze crust associated with weak faceted grains on sun-exposed slopes (i.e., east, south, west). Check out this blog for more information. This layer continues to form a few large avalanches in the region each day, most commonly between 1800 and 2300 m on all aspects. This layer is isolated in nature so the likelihood of triggering it is low, but the consequence of doing so could be high.
There are presently no deeper concerns.
Terrain and Travel
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer may be found around 50 to 100 cm deep. The layer consists of weak faceted grains above a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar in shaded areas sheltered from the wind. We are still receiving reports of a few avalanches a day, generally between 1800 and 2300 m on all aspects. Triggering this layer could result in a high consequence.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Use caution in steep, lee terrain features where wind slabs may be found.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose activity will increase as the day heats up, particularly on sun-exposed slopes under clear sky conditions.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 24th, 2022 4:00PM
