Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2021 1:00AM

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

VIAC Jesse Percival, VIAC

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No new avalanches have been observed or reported over the past forecast period.

Summary

Past Weather

Freezing levels climbed to 1500 meters for a short period and direct solar aspect surfaces became moist. Overall the snowpack remained cohesive as warming and solar effect was brief.

Weather Forecast

Temps and freezing levels will slowly begin to rise as the ridge of high pressure to the east of the forecast area begins to break down. Beginning late Saturday, South East winds will begin to increase and light precipitation will start. Forecast models indicate the precipitation to be focused to the northern half of the forecast area.

Terrain Advice

Caution when transitioning into North aspect terrain with areas of wind loaded snow and steep convex roll features.Caution travelling either above or below cornice features.

Snowpack Summary

A period of overnight clearing and cooling promoted the formation of surface hoar, On solar aspects the surface hoar was destroyed. but is still present on north aspects. Solar aspect terrain surfaces became moist and a crust formed during overnight cooling.The upper snowpack continues to settle and a facet crust combination can be found down 100 to 150 cm. Terrain exposed to the wind is stripped and scoured. The persistent slab from February is now down over 200 centimeters and is dormant and currently non reactive to testing. Below the snowpack is dense and well settled.

Snowpack Details

  • Surface: Surface hoar on north aspects, thin crust on solar aspects.
  • Upper: Settling new snow between 100 and 150 centimeters.
  • Mid: Old unreactive crusts, overall dense and well settled.
  • Lower: Well settled and dense.

Confidence

Moderate - Additional forecaster field observations, uncertainty with Sundays precipitation amounts.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Found on predominantly North aspects. This avalanche problem was formed during the past storms strong south west winds and has settled and bonded. **Location:** North East thru to North West aspects and found in both the Alpine and Tree line. **Possibility:** Triggering of this avalanche problem is unlikely to possible from light loads such as skiers. Natural avalanches are very unlikely. **Size:** If triggered expect these avalanches to be large size 2, and on isolated terrain features very large, size 3 .

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
This new avalanche problem will start to materialize on Sunday as up to 20cm of snow is forecasted . Location: Alpine and Tree line. Possibility: Triggering of this avalanche problem is likely from light loads such as skiers. Natural avalanches are possible. Size: If triggered expect these avalanches to be small size 1, and on isolated terrain features large, size 2.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2021 1:00AM