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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 2nd, 2016–Mar 3rd, 2016
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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

Regions: Little Yoho.

The overall snowpack is slowly improving, but Thursday should see a short-term burst of windslab action as the 25cm of fluff on the ground will be blown around by strong winds in the alpine (>70 km/hr).  Caution in immediate leeward areas.

Weather Forecast

The upper level flow puts our region back in the storm track, and a series of minor storms will cross the region over the next few days.  Most of the punch will be to the west, but expect 5-10 cm on Thursday with strong alpine winds developing through the day. Temps at treeline will remain steady at -4 to -10 all week.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of recent storm snow overlies suncrust and possibly a thin layer of surface hoar (unconfirmed). Below this, the middle of the snowpack is generally well consolidated in the deep areas but expect to find windslabs forming above treeline on Thursday as the strong winds in the forecast will move the new snow around.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed other than sluffing in really steep terrain.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

We believe the persistent weak layers from January and February have a low likelihood of triggering, but are not yet prepared to say they are gone. The snowpack is strong, but check for yourself and look for surface hoar  in the upper meter.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong winds on Thursday may create windslabs 30-40 cm deep in predictable areas leeward of ridges. Pay close attention to how the snow surface feels, and look for clues like cracking or ski test on small rolls.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2