Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 28th, 2015–Mar 29th, 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

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: Northwest Inland.

Watch for fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain resulting from new snow and high winds.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

5-10 cm new snow is expected between 4pm Saturday and 4am Sunday. A further 2-4 cm is expected during the day on Sunday. Ridgetop winds on Sunday are expected to be up to 50 km/h from the southwest and freezing levels around 1300 m. On Monday, another system is expected to bring around 5 cm to this region. Strong southwest winds and freezing levels around 1300 m are set to continue. On Tuesday, there is a cooling and drying trend. Only trace amounts of precipitation are expected and freezing levels are set to lower to around 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche reports.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 20 cm of dense storm snow overlies a variety of crusty old surfaces. 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

Wind Slabs

Fairly light amounts of new snow but strong southwesterly winds are expected to develop wind slabs on mainly north through easterly aspects.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3