Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Crusts on solar aspect are becoming more the norm. Dry snow, and better riding quality, may be found on the more shaded aspects, but watch for wind slabs in alpine areas.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, light flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level dropping to 700 m.
MONDAY: Cloudy, isolated flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m in the afternoon.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 3300 m in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. Moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 3000 m in the afternoon.Â
Avalanche Summary
A few small natural cornice failures have been observed, not pulling any slab on the slopes below. Several small wet loose avalanches have been observed on south-facing aspects from solar radiation and daytime warming.
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of recent snowfall overlies 20 to 40 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty surfaces below 1800 m on all aspects and into the alpine on south-facing aspects. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snowfall and westerly winds are expected to have formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine. Watch for areas where recent slabs are overlying a sun crust that can act as a perfect bed surface.
Cornices have grown significantly in the past two weeks. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridge-lines and minimize overhead exposure to large cornices.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 21st, 2022 4:00PM
