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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 26th, 2021–Mar 27th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Lizard-Flathead.

Watch for pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Seek out sheltered, north facing terrain for the best snow quality. 

Avoid steep, sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day as brief sunny periods can significantly weaken the snowpack at this time of year.

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -5 

SATURDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / moderate to strong west wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 2100 m

SUNDAY - Snow, 20 cm, with another 10-15 cm overnight / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 1800 m

MONDAY - Cloudy with flurries, 10 cm / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -8

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, at the time of publishing, there were a few reports of size 1 human triggered storm slab avalanches on north aspects in the alpine.

On Thursday there were a few reports of natural size 1.5-2 storm slab avalanches, as well as a size 1.5 explosive-triggered cornice.

On Wednesday there were reports of human-triggered dry loose avalanches on steep northerly aspects. Explosive control work on Monday and Tuesday produced mainly size 1 dry loose avalanches and a few size 1-1.5 storm slabs.

A large (size 2) glide slab occurred overnight last Friday on a lower elevation slope on Mt. Fernie. It may have been coaxed into action by overnight rainfall. This serves as a great reminder to avoid slopes with glide cracks on them at all times. They are inherently unstable and can release at any time.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of new snow has accumulated incrementally over recent days. Depending on the time of day, moist snow or a crust can be found on solar aspects and below 1700 m. Isolated, soft wind slabs can be found in lee features of wind exposed alpine terrain. The snowpack is otherwise well settled and strong.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
  • Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.