Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 6th, 2016 9:56AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Give the new storm snow time to settle and strengthen before tackling big objectives.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud, isolated flurries and generally light ridgetop winds throughout the forecast period. Daytime freezing levels should hover around 1400m.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday there were several size 1 loose wet avalanches observed below treeline. No other new avalanches were reported, but this may speak to a lack of observers rather than actual conditions. New wind slab activity is expected at higher elevations in the wake of snow and wind on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Sunday' precipitation (up to 13mm over the 24 period) and strong southwest winds have likely formed dense wind slabs at higher elevations. At the time of publishing this bulletin the exact rain line on Sunday was uncertain; however, most surfaces below treeline were likely saturated by rain. About 30-40cm below the surface you may find a crust and spotty surface hoar that was buried on February 27th, although it is unknown how this interface survived the rain. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well-settled. Cornices are reported to be huge and weak.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The stormy weather has ended but recently formed dense wind slabs may remain sensitive to light inputs. I'd remain cautious of wind-loaded terrain at treeline and in the alpine

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices are reported to be very large and weak. Stay well back from ridgecrests, and watch your overhead hazard.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

If there is no overnight refreeze and the sun makes an appearance on Monday, loose wet avalanche activity will likely continue, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be cautious of wet sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2016 2:00PM