Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 24th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Travel conditions may be challenging with the latest surface crust extending into the alpine. If you head to higher elevations, watch for pockets of wind loaded snow.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud. Light to moderate southerly winds. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. Moderate southerly winds and freezing levels around 1500 m.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. 10-20 cm of snow over the day day, freezing levels around 1500 m. Moderate to strong southerly winds.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow. Freezing levels around 1500 m. Light southerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, rider and naturally triggered wet avalanches were reported up to size 2 in steep terrain features. Activity occurred at all elevations, with warm temperatures, rain and strong sun weakening the snowpack.
Cornice failures were also reported.
A large avalanche was reported on a steep alpine slope near Blackcomb, likely failing on the mid February weak layer, now buried around 80 cm deep. While the trigger is unknown, it's likely that strong sun had weakened the snowpack.
On Monday a natural cornice fall triggered a size three slab avalanche on the slope below. This avalanche was triggered at 1800 m on a northeast aspect, it ran full path.
Snowpack Summary
A melt freeze crust extends into the alpine on all aspects to 2000-2500 m. Expect moist snow at low elevations below the freezing line, and on south facing slopes as the sun comes out. Dry snow can be found in the alpine, redistributed by strong southerly winds into wind loaded features on north/east facing slopes.
40 to 90 cm overlies the mid March interfaces. This layer exists as surface hoar in shady, wind-sheltered areas and a hard crust on sun-exposed slopes into the alpine. Several other weak layers exist in the upper and mid snowpack, reports suggest these layers are bonding well and avalanche activity is unlikely except from large loads like cornice falls.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs can still be found in high alpine terrain, where dry snow has been redistributed onto north and east facing slopes. Expect greater reactivity where slabs sit over a crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 25th, 2022 4:00PM
