Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2016 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Give the snowpack a chance to settle and adjust to the new load. Pick conservative terrain especially if the wind is blowing

Summary

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: 10cm of new snow overnight with flurries through the day, moderate southwest winds, 1800m freezing level. FRIDAY: 15cm new snow, strong southerly winds, 1800m freezing level. Saturday 25cm new snow, strong southerly winds, 1800m freezing level.

Avalanche Summary

Artificially and naturally triggered storm slab, wind slab and cornice avalanches continue to be reported.   Cornices are large and fragile, and may fail under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 50cm of new snow and strong winds have formed widespread reactive slabs.  The upper snowpack sits above a crust that was reported on all aspects and elevations with isolated pockets of surface hoar in high north facing terrain that stayed cool prior to the storm.   The mid-pack is generally well settled.  A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can now be found down 1-2 meters. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick widespread crust.   However, in the north of the region it remains a lingering concern, producing isolated hard sudden planar failures in snow pit tests.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Human triggered avalanches are likely on steep or unsupported slopes. Natural avalanches are possible in wind loaded features.
Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid steep, open slopes.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2016 2:00PM