Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2016–Mar 15th, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

Alpine

2: Moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

Alpine

2: Moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Avalanche danger is falling but check out the reactivity of the new storm snow on smaller features before committing to bigger lines.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Spring like temperature swings will push the freezing level up to 1500m daily. TUESDAY: partly cloudy with isolate flurries, light west winds. WEDNESDAY: partly cloudy with isolate flurries, light west winds. THRUSDAY: sunny, light to moderate easterly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Natural and artificially triggered avalanche activity up to size 2.5 was reported from across the region over the weekend. Cornices remain large and fragile. They have been failing naturally and would likely collapse under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

New storm snow may overlie older stubborn wind slabs in lee features. Up to 75cm of well settled storm snow is making for excellent skiing especially in sheltered north facing terrain. Moist snow can be found at lower elevations. Cornices are large and fragile. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Reactive soft slabs may be triggered in steep unsupported features and lee terrain where they might also hide stubborn old wind slabs.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and fragile, they may fail naturally with day time warming or could break off easily under the weight of a person.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5