Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2020 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Mikey, Avalanche Canada

Pay attention to wind slabs and reverse loading as you approach tree line. Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Cold and East winds are coming. Friday is forecast to have a high of -17c along with 5cm of snow. With the easterly winds, be on the lookout for some reverse loading. The weather models are not all in agreement with snowfall amounts for Friday and the weekend, so let's hope for more.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread buried wind slabs in the alpine and parts of treeline are found under the 10cm of snow that fell Tuesday. There are several generations of wind slabs and it is taking some time for them to consolidate into one layer. Expect some areas of surface sun crust on steep solar aspects, particularly at lower elevations. Cornices are large right now and should be given respect.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
  • Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Yet another generation of wind slabs has been recently formed. These are everywhere in the Alpine and extend down into Treeline. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Still concern for the weak layer deep in the snowpack. Triggering is more concerning in shallow snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2020 4:00PM

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