Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2018 4:04PM

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

mgrist, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Watch for wind slabs in lee features at higher elevations. Use caution if wet snow is found at low elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Not much change in the weather pattern: A mix of sun and cloud and little if any precipitation.SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud / Light easterly winds / Alpine temperature +2 C / Freezing level 1500 m.SUNDAY: Partly cloudy / Light north westerly winds / Alpine temperature +2 C / Freezing level 1500 m.MONDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light to moderate westerly winds / Alpine temperature near 0 degrees C / Freezing level 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, wet loose avalanches were observed at tree line and below. Some of these stepped down to basal facets in northern parts of the region.

Snowpack Summary

Variable snow surfaces are found in the region. In the east of the region, 5 to 10 cm of snow fell onto a melt-freeze crust from recent warm temperatures and rain. In the west of the region, the melt-freeze crust is on the surface. Wet snow may still exist at low elevations on all aspects. High elevation north aspects may have lingering wind slabs in immediate lee features. This overlies a surface hoar and sugary facet layer in sheltered locations.A surface hoar and crust layer from January is buried around 80 to 140 cm in the southwest of the region. This layer still has the potential to be triggered from a thin snowpack spot, or with a large trigger like a cornice fall.Sugary facets exist at the bottom of the snowpack in steep, rocky, and shallow snowpack areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow in the east of the region likely formed wind slabs in immediate lee features. Wind slabs from the past few days also linger in lee and cross-loaded features.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

Mid-mountain freezing levels will mean that loose wet avalanches are more likely at lower elevations. Use caution in terrain features where a small avalanche could have serious consequences.

Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where small avalanches can have high consequences.Watch for signs that the snow is moistening such as pin-wheeling and point-releases below cliffs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2018 2:00PM