Avalanche forecast

North Rockies

Mar 24 – 25, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Assess for wind slabs in steep terrain at high elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs may be found in wind-loaded terrain at high elevations, formed from recent strong southerly wind.

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 20 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with periods of snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 10 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche activity occurred during the warm-up on Wednesday. Similar avalanches are not expected to occur on Friday given the cool and cloudy weather forecast. 

Looking forward, riders may be able to trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features in steep alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Above 2000 m, 5 to 10 cm of recent snow may have been blown into small wind slabs from south wind. Below 2000 m, a hard melt-freeze crust or moist snow is found.

There are no deeper concerns at this time.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Regions covered