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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 25th, 2021–Mar 26th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Coast.

Lingering wind slabs at upper elevations are the main concern.

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY Night: Cloudy with clear periods, light to moderate northeast wind, freezing level 1000 m with treeline temperatures near -2 C.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate northwest wind, freezing level around 1300 m with treeline temperatures 0 C. 

SATURDAY: Mainly cloudy, moderate southwest wind, freezing level rising to 1200 m with treeline temperature near 0 C.

SUNDAY: Snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1000 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, riders triggered loose dry avalanches to size 1, which switched to loose wet as the freezing level rose over the day. The avalanches were reported as small (size 1). On Tuesday, this MIN describes recent slab avalanche activity near Mt Strachan.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15 cm of snow accumulated on Tuesday night, forming new storm slabs and wind slabs in exposed terrain. This snow overlies 35 to 45 cm of snow from Sunday, which is likely now settled and bonded to the snowpack below. The snow surface may moisten at upper elevations on Friday as the freezing level hovers around 1300 m. Along ridgelines, cornices are large and always have the potential of failing or being triggered from the weight of a human.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs formed with recent snowfall may continue to be reactive to riders. The reactivity of slabs should be assessed before approaching steep open terrain, especially where exposed to the wind. 

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3