Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 20th, 2015–Mar 21st, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Coastal.

If you're heading to the north of the region, the snowpack changes. See the Forecast Details page for more info.

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Light flurries and a mix on sun and cloud are expected for the forecast period. Freezing levels are expected to sit between 1200m and 1400m. Winds should remain generally moderate from the southwest.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, explosives control triggered wind slab avalanches to size 1.5.No other recent avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

New wind slabs have formed in high elevation lee terrain. These wind slabs overlie a variety of surfaces which include older wind slabs or melt-freeze crusts. Up to a metre below the surface you may find a hard crust which co-exists with facets, especially in the north of the region. Although reports suggest this layer has gained significant strength, I'd be wary of the possibility of isolated large avalanches on steep, unsupported slopes, especially if temperatures increase, or if solar radiation is strong. The mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found, particularly on shallow alpine slopes in the north of the region. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Below treeline, the snow appears to be in a spring melt-freeze cycle.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have formed in response to wind and light snow accumulations on Friday. Watch for triggering in gullies and in the lee of ridge crests.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2