Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 22nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Warm air and rain may destabilize the snowpack at lower elevations, with new slabs potentially forming up high. Head out with a conservative mindset, particularly in the south where a weak layer lingers.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation trace to 3 cm above the rain-snow line, 40 to 60 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2100 m.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with rain or snow, accumulation 5 to 15 cm snow above the rain-snow line and rain below, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2000 m.
THURSDAY: Early-morning snowfall then clear skies, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -7 C.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, 20 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -6 C.
Avalanche Summary
Small avalanches were triggered by riders on Monday, generally consisting of recent storm snow but one on the weak layer described in the snowpack summary in the south of the region. Persistent slab avalanches have mostly occurred between 1500 and 2200 m and on all aspects. This layer should be treated as suspect anywhere it exists.
Snowpack Summary
Freezing levels reached the lower alpine, warming up the snowpack. Rain is forecast to fall below around 2000 m on Wednesday, with snow above. Rain will destabilize the snowpack, increasing the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. Up high, new wind slabs may form from snow and southwest wind.
A weak layer may be found around 40 to 60 cm deep, which has been most prominent in the south of the region (e.g., access points between Clearwater and Valemount). The layer consists of surface hoar crystals in treeline terrain in areas sheltered from the wind and otherwise a hard melt-freeze crust associated with weak faceted grains on sun-exposed slopes (i.e., east, south, west). This layer continues to form large avalanches in the south of the region. Check out this blog for more information.
The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.
Terrain and Travel
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer may be found around 40 to 60 cm deep. The layer consists of weak faceted grains above a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar in shaded areas sheltered from the wind. This layer has been most problematic in the southern portion of the region (e.g., Wells Gray, Blue River, Valemount).
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches may be triggered out of steep terrain anywhere rain is falling on previously dry snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found above the rain-snow line. Use caution in steep, lee terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
