Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2018 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

The best riding is likely to be found on north facing slopes in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny / Light southerly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rising to around 1300 m.MONDAY: Mostly sunny / Light southeasterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rising to around 1500 m.TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light easterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rising to around 1700 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in this region on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find sun crusts on steep solar aspects. The old wind slabs created last weekend are faceting and becoming less reactive to human triggers.A crust/surface hoar layer buried mid-January is now roughly 80-140 cm below the surface, and still has the potential to be triggered from a thin snowpack spot, or with a large trigger like a cornice fall.It is unlikely, but may be possible to trigger very large avalanches on facets at the bottom of the snowpack in steep, rocky, and shallow snowpack areas or with large triggers such as a falling cornice.

Problems

Loose Wet

Forecast sunshine is expected to trigger loose wet avalanches on steep south facing slopes.

Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where small avalanches can have high consequence.Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling and point-releases below cliffs.Start early to stay off south facing slopes during the heat of the day.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are becoming less likely to human trigger. Steep, convex, and rocky areas are the most likely spots to trigger these lingering wind slabs.

Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2018 3:00PM