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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 30th, 2017–Mar 31st, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Rockies.

Strong solar radiation and high daytime freezing levels are expected to elevate the avalanche danger. Avoid slopes that are exposed to overhead cornices.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Overnight: Overcast with 5-10 cm of new snow and moderate-strong northeast winds. Freezing down to 1300 metres by morning. Friday: Mostly clear with strong solar radiation and winds switching to the west. Daytime freezing levels up to at least 2300 metres. Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud with strong westerly winds, and little or no re-freeze below 2300 metres. Sunday: Overcast with light westerly winds and daytime freezing around 1800 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

On Thursday in Crowsnest North, the sun was strong in the morning and solar aspects became moist up into the alpine. There was still some dry snow on north aspects in the alpine. A few more cm of new snow overnight, combined with gusty southwest winds has developed new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline.  The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are expected to continue to develop with forecast new snow and wind.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and aspect.If triggered, wind slabs may step down to deeper layers and result in large avalanches.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Watch out for wet snow at lower elevations or on sunny slopes if the sun comes out during the day.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Heavy triggers such as a cornice fall or wind loading are potential triggers for large avalanches on deep weak layers. Be aware of overhead hazard, and do not linger in avalanche paths at lower elevations.
Recognize and avoid avalanche runout zones.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 4