Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2022 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada matt, Avalanche Canada

Tomorrow will have increasing winds at all elevations. Watch for fresh wind loading. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Another cold start for tomorrow. The overnight low will be -18, with a high of -8. Skies will be partly cloudy with westerly winds increasing throughout the day. Flurries are expected to start late in the day as well.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Today's trip took us to the northern section of the Spray. Light alpine winds have formed thin wind slabs on all aspects. These seem reasonably well bonded, but in shallow areas they are more reactive. Treeline and below still feel quite settled with only localized windslabs being a problem. The crust is still the main concern and deserves respect as there are likely loose sugary facets on top of it. Solar aspects at all elevations should be evaluated. It is down 30-40cm now.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

These will build quickly with the increasing winds tomorrow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Carefully evaluate the bond with the Feb 19th crust down 40 to 60cm. Recent wind loading will make this problem more reactive, as will periods of intense solar input.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2022 3:00PM

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