Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 31st, 2015 9:27AM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include This bulletin was produced using very limited field data. If you have observations to share, please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network. Click here for more info.
Summary
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Generally unsettled conditions are expected for the forecast period. Wednesday: Trace amounts of new snow / Moderate westerly winds / Freezing level at 1000m Thursday: Up to 10cm of new snow accumulating between Thursday afternoon and early Friday morning / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000m Friday: 2-5cm of snow / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000m
Avalanche Summary
Storm slabs up to size 2.5 were observed over the weekend in the southwest corner of the region. They formed in response to new snow and wind. Touchy wind slabs to size 1.5 were still remotely triggered on Monday. Patterns in avalanche activity vary greatly across the region due to varying recent snowfall amounts and underlying snowpack structure.
Snowpack Summary
The few reports we've received indicate conditions are highly variable across the region. Approximately 15-30 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.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive for a few days. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridge crests and terrain breaks.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by windloading may reach run out zones.>
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 1st, 2015 2:00PM