Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2022 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JMinifie, Avalanche Canada

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The upper snowpack will destabilize at it warms and sun the comes out. Manage your terrain and overhead accordingly. Continue to keep an eye on the mid-February crust layer. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

  

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy. No significant precipitation. Light winds from the south. Temperature -6°C in the alpine. 

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Light winds from the southwest. A high of -1°C and a low of -7°C for the alpine. Freezing levels rising to 1100m

Friday: Mostly sunny. No precipitation. Winds will be light from the south switching to north by the afternoon. A high of -3°C and a low of -8°C for the alpine. Freezing levels around 1000m. 

Saturday: Mostly sunny. No precipitation. Winds moderate from the north. A high of -2°C and a low of -10°C in the alpine. 

Avalanche Summary

A skier accidental, size 1 avalanche was reported on Tuesday. This avalanche occurred in a convex gully sidewall.  

A number of loose wet avalanches to size 1 were reported on Wednesday afternoon.

One size 2 avalanche was reported by our field team on a northeast facing aspect in the Seaton alpine. This avalanche appeared to be triggered by a cornice. 

Snowpack Summary

Storm slabs and wind slabs are settling and the upper snowpack is bonding well. 

A well consolidated 40-60cm slab now sits on top of the mid-February crust. This layer continues to give hard results in test profiles and has not exhibited avalanche activity. That being said, professional guides in the are are watching it closely and still don't trust it completely. When dealing with a slab that is sitting on a crust, it is often prudent to make conservative terrain choices until your suspicions are put to rest through thorough investigation. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
  • Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Sun and warm temperatures will moisten and destabilize the upper snowpack. When these conditions exist, keep the features you are on small and manage your overhead hazard accordingly. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2022 3:00PM

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