Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 19th, 2013 10:11AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Snowfall amounts are uncertain. If there's heavy snowfall in your area, the local avalanche danger may be higher than posted.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Light to moderate snow. A period of intense snowfall is expected in the afternoon. Strong to extreme SW winds. Alpine temperature near -4.Thursday: Light to moderate snow. Light to moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near -14.Friday: Light to moderate snow. Light winds. Alpine temperature near -11.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous loose snow avalanches to size 1 failed naturally in steep terrain. Natural avalanche activity is particularly likely at times of intense loading on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

New storm slabs may develop during Wednesday’s forecast storm. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) may be particularly touchy. A buried rain crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches. This crust is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas and is up to 9 cm thick. It’s thought to be strong enough that snowpack weaknesses below it won’t be affected by the load of a person, with the caveat that there may be isolated exceptions (e.g. thin spots near rocks at high elevations). The mid-pack is generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New storm slabs may develop during Wednesday’s storm. Lee loaded slopes and spill zones may be particularly touchy. A buried crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 20th, 2013 2:00PM