Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Continually evaluate snowpack conditions as you change aspect and elevation through the day. A brief cooling trend will help reduce avalanche danger, but there are still human triggerable avalanche problems out there.
Summary
Confidence
High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy. Light rain/snow expected. Moderate to strong southwesterly ridgetop wind, trending to extreme in the high alpine. Freezing level falling to around 1500 m.
THURSDAY: Mostly sunny with very light rain/snow. Ridgetop winds easing off to light northwest. Freezing level rising to around 2000 m.Â
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny with no precipitation expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level around valley bottom overnight, rising to 2200 m through the day.
SATURDAY: Partly Sunny. No new precipitation expected. Light variable ridgetop wind, with periods of strong southwest in the high alpine. Freezing level around 2300 m.Â
Avalanche Summary
At the time of publishing, avalanche activity in the past week has been limited to small wind slabs and wet loose avalanches (size 1).
Remember that a lack of reported avalanches does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of avalanche activity. If you are out in the backcountry, and have photos, conditions updates, or even just good vibes to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network.Â
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed by strong westerly winds. The surface is moist or crusty below 1800 m on all aspects and on solar aspects into the alpine. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snowfall and westerly winds are expected to have formed wind slabs in lee features in the alpine.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Freezing levels are falling overnight, but the surface snow may not solidly refreeze. Paying close attention to how thick and supportive the surface crust is throughout the day, and sticking to shady slopes when the sun is packing a punch are good ways to avoid any wet loose avalanche problems.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices have grown significantly in the past two weeks. Warm temperatures may make cause cornices to become weak. Cornice failures are dangerous on their own, but also have the potential to trigger larger avalanches on the slopes below.
Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridge-lines and minimize overhead exposure to large cornices.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 24th, 2022 4:00PM
