Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 27th, 2015–Mar 28th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Avalanche hazard will likely be on the rise as forecast storm snow begins to stack up.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Saturday morning is expected to be unsettled with light flurries before another weakened system in the afternoon, with freezing levels remaining around 1200 m. Expect another 5-10 cm by Sunday morning falling under strong southwesterly winds, and additional light amounts on Sunday with freezing levels remaining around 1300 m. Another 5-10 cm is expected for Monday with moderate to strong southerly winds and freezing levels remaining around 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Thursday include continued natural wet loose avalanche activity up to Size 2 on steep rocky slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Another 10 cm of drier snow adds to the 10-25 cm of recent wet snow. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack may include hard crusts and/or facet crystals, although not much is known about the reactivity or spatial distribution of these layers. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Unpredictable, full-depth glide avalanches are also a concern on low elevation slopes with smooth ground cover (grassy slopes, rock slabs, etc.) where large cracks have formed from the snowpack slipping on the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Any fresh snow will likely be poorly bonded, with particularly deep and weak slabs on the leeward side of ridge crests and terrain features in exposed treeline and alpine terrain.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3