Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Tim Haggarty,

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Our danger ratings reflect the highest level we expect to see over the course of the day. Rising temperatures and solar heating can be expected to increase avalanche danger. Start early and finish early to take advantage of the overnight recovery.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A solid freeze Monday morning can be expected after passage of a cold front overnight. Winds will diminish to light and shift west and partly cloudy skies in the morning should give way to clearing. While a strong solar effect can be expected on steep solar slopes, temperatures should remain cooler than they have been through the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of recent snow remains preserved on Northerly aspects with a skiable temperature crust below 1700m. On solar aspects substantial surface crusts have formed. Extensive wind effect in the alpine with isolated sheltered areas. Recent profiles show the Feb. 19 and Jan. 27 facets in the upper meter with hard to no results. Cornices are huge!

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle up to size 2 occurred Saturday typically originating as point releases from steep, rocky solar terrain with isolated examples of slabs originating from very thin features. The solar crusts that were created Saturday generally held Sunday especially at higher elevations where winds were moderate gusting strong.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Substantial crusts have formed on solar slopes that vary with slope angle, aspect and elevation. Solar heating will affect steep slopes first and solar effect will vary with local winds and cloud. Plan your day carefully around expected local heating

  • Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2021 4:00PM