Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 18th, 2020 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
Warm sunny weather continues. Use increased caution when slopes and cornices warm up throughout the day.
Summary
Confidence
High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast
Weather Forecast
A high pressure system brings clear dry conditions for the foreseeable future.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, calm wind, freezing level remains around 1700 m, treeline temperatures drop to +2 C.
THURSDAY: Sunny, light south wind, freezing level around 1700 m, treeline temperatures reach +6 C.
FRIDAY: Sunny, light to moderate northwest wind, freezing level around 1700 m, treeline temperatures reach +6 C.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwest wind, freezing level around 1300 m, treeline temperatures reach +2 C.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported the past few days, although warm temperatures have likely resulted in natural wet loose avalanches in steep south-facing terrain. A few wind slab avalanches were human triggered over the weekend (see these MIN reports for details), but these slabs should be less reactive by now.
Snowpack Summary
Sustained above freezing temperatures for the past few days has resulted in moist snow on the surface. Crusts may form overnight, and shaded alpine slopes likely have hard wind slabs on the surface. The snowpack is well-settled. Depths are roughly 300-400 cm around 1200-1400 m and taper rapidly with elevation, with no snow below 700 m.
Terrain and Travel
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Loose Wet
Watch for wet loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes and remember cornices could become weak with daytime heating.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 19th, 2020 4:00PM
