Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 24th, 2018–Mar 25th, 2018

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

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: Glacier.

While wind loaded pockets remain the #1 concern, pay close attention the effects to the strong spring sun. Plan on avoiding steep solar terrain this afternoon.

Weather Forecast

Sunny this morning with convective clouds building this afternoon. Flurries later in the day with trace accumulation. Alpine temperature near -6.0 with freezing levels rising to 1300m. Ridge winds will be north, 10-20km/hr. Expect a similar weather pattern tomorrow. A pacific system arrives on Monday with 25cm by late Tuesday and warmer temps.

Snowpack Summary

An overnight refreeze has prompted a return of winter conditions below treeline. Approximately 20cm of new snow in the past 48hrs has softened up the skiing at all elevations. Wind slabs linger above treeline and are reactive to skiers. Watch for a buried crust on steep solar aspects and isolated patches of surface hoar, both down 20-40cm.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity tapered off after the wind triggered cycle of yesterday morning. A group reported a skier controlled a sz 1 wind slab avalanche on a convexity above treeline in the Aulkan drainage. Isolated loose wet solar triggered avalanches were observed in the highway corridor west of Rogers Pass.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs are present on most aspects in the alpine. These slabs are most easily triggered on convex, unsupported terrain. Wind slabs are likely to propagate where they overlie a buried curst on solar aspects and isolated surface hoar.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5