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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 23rd, 2013–Mar 24th, 2013
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
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
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: Sea To Sky.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Sunday-Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with light winds. A few flurries are possible on Tuesday. Alpine temperatures near -2, dropping during overnight periods.

Avalanche Summary

Skiers triggered size 1 and 2 slabs on convex terrain features on Friday. These were on east and north aspects at alpine and treeline elevations. They failed on crust or old hard wind slab layers. Solar warming also triggered a few small loose wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs, which recently formed on a widespread basis, are becoming harder to trigger. Large cornices are looming over some slopes. On sun-baked slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface, leaving a crust behind during overnight cooling, which breaks down by day. The upper snowpack structure is highly variable. On sunny aspects (and all aspects at low elevations), a melt-freeze crust is now buried about 30 cm deep, while on high elevation shady aspects, 50-100 cm snow overlies an older melt-freeze crust. Bonding at both of these crust interfaces appears to be improving, but they are still in the back of professionals’ minds. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

It may be possible to trigger slabs in steep terrain or on convex shaped slopes. Cornices are looming in some areas.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Loose Wet

Direct sun may trigger loose snow avalanches on steep sunny slopes.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4