Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2017 4:14PM

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

Avalanche Canada cam_c, Avalanche Canada

Incoming snow, wind, and warming temperatures will increase avalanche hazard over the next several days.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Still snowing with another 15 to 20 cm by Friday evening with continued strong SW winds. Temperatures cooling slightly with freezing level falling to 700 m.SATURDAY: Unsettled conditions with a mix of sun and cloud and another 3-5 cm of snow. Freezing levels hovering around 700 m and winds easing to light southeasterlies.SUNDAY: Unsettled conditions with a mix of sun and cloud and another 3-5 cm of snow. Freezing levels hovering around 700 m and light southeasterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

The likelihood and size of slab avalanches will increase with continued snow and wind and warming temperatures. Natural avalanches are likely during periods of heavy loading from snow, wind and rain.

Snowpack Summary

Much of the region received around 50cm of of fresh snow over the past couple of days, which is bonding poorly to a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Fluctuating temperatures have likely resulted in weaknesses within this recent storm snow and southwesterly winds have likely deposited deep and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Fresh storm slabs are expected to be highly sensitive to triggering and particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes.
Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Storm snow is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2017 2:00PM