Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 14th, 2017 11:55AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
grant statham,
Avalanche Canada
A widespread avalanche cycle is underway with many small and large avalanches observed on Tuesday. Avoid exposure to all avalanche terrain. We have published our forecast early today to get this message out there.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Strong westerly flow continues as another storm crosses the area starting Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday end of day we should see 20 cm of additional snow. Freezing levels will remain near 2000m until Wed afternoon when the air will slowly begin to cool. Alpine winds are forecast to be moderate to strong through the period.
Snowpack Summary
Additional snowfall and warming temperatures have tipped the snowpack and an avalanche cycle is underway. A 50 cm dense slab has overloaded two prominent weaknesses in the snowpack; one down 40cm and the other in an faceted layer near the base of the snowpack. We expect the cycle to persist while the temperatures remain warm over the coming days.
Avalanche Summary
Two skier triggered avalanches on the Wapta on Monday evening, and then a flight along the Bow Valley Tuesday morning revealed dozens of fresh avalanches ranging from size 1 to size 3. There is an avalanche cycle underway now.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
A 40-50cm cohesive windslab exists at higher elevations, and in specific wind effected areas near treeline. This slab reacts easily to tests and is producing avalanches on Tuesday.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, but they may be waking back up during this avalanche cycle. Avoid avalanche terrain now.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2017 4:00PM
