Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 26th, 2015–Mar 27th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

The region isn't expected to get much snow over the next couple of days, but watch for fresh wind slab formation in the alpine.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Expect 5-10 mm of precipitation overnight Thursday, and freezing levels dropping to 1200 m by Friday morning. Isolated light snow flurries are expected to continue for Friday with moderate westerly winds. Saturday morning is expected to be unsettled before another weakened system in the afternoon, with freezing levels remaining around 1200 m. Expect another 2-5 cm by Sunday morning falling under strong southwesterly winds, and additional light amounts on Sunday with freezing levels remaining around 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

A few small wind slab avalanches were reported from alpine features Tuesday. Reports from Wednesday include numerous wet loose avalanches reaching Size 2 on steep rocky slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25 cm of recent wet snow is sloughing readily in steep terrain. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack may include hard crusts and/or facet crystals, although not much is known about the reactivity or spatial distribution of these layers. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Unpredictable, full-depth glide avalanches are also a concern on low elevation slopes with smooth ground cover (grassy slopes, rock slabs, etc.) where large cracks have formed from the snowpack slipping on the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Any fresh snow will likely be poorly bonded, with particularly deep and weak slabs on the leeward side of ridge crests and terrain features in exposed treeline and alpine terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Generally small and confined to extreme terrain. But could easily take you for a ride, which isn't recommended with terrain traps below.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3