Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 17th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slab avalanches are possible at upper elevations. Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation and aspect. 

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is mostly striaghtforward and not unusually variable.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, moderate wind from the southwest with gusts to 60 km/h, treeline temperatures drop to -5 with freezing level around 1200 m.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with some light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow, moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -2 C with freezing level around 1700 m.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with flurries starting midday brining trace amounts of snow in the afternoon, light wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -1 C with freezing level around 1800 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5 to 10 cm of snow overnight, sunny periods in the afternoon, light wind from the west, treeline temperatures around -4 C with freezing level around 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity has declined since a natural cycle occurred during Tuesday's storm. The cycle involved many size 2 storm slab avalanche at upper elevations and wet loose avalanches below treeline. Storm snow was still reactive to explosives on Wednesday and Thursday, but looking forward avalanches will be most likely on wind-loaded slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall amounts taper with elevation. There is 20 to 30 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty surfaces below roughly 1700 m. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded these crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

As recent snow gradually settles, there will be some unstable wind slabs left at upper elevations, especially along ridgetops. 

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 18th, 2022 4:00PM

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