Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Evaluate conditions as you change aspect and elevation.
Wet avalanches are possible on sun affected slopes, and wind slabs remain a concern at higher elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with moderate northwest winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom. Chance of isolated flurries.
SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with gusty strong westerly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m with an alpine high of -2 expected.
MONDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with up to 10cm possible, light northerly winds. Freezing levels around 800 m. Alpine high of -5.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy with isolated flurries possible. Light northerly winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom with alpine highs of -12.Â
Avalanche Summary
Mild sunny weather will likely continue to cause some wet loose avalanches on south-facing slopes and cornice failures along ridgelines. Â
There have also been a few small (size 1-1.5) human triggered slabs on north and east facing slopes over the past few days. These slabs have been in the top 20 to 30 cm of recent snow.
Snowpack Summary
Soft snow may be found on sheltered north-facing slopes, but otherwise the surface has a mix of sun crusts on south-facing slopes, wind-affected snow in the alpine, and moist/crusty snow at lower elevations.Â
See the North Rockies field team's recent post from Renshaw for some photos. The mid and lower snowpack are reportedly strong and well bonded.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers, from strong north and westerly winds. Expect loading around ridgeline features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches will become more likely throughout the day on sun affected slopes.
Keep an eye on surface conditions as you travel. As snow becomes moist or wet, minimize your exposure and seek out other aspects.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2022 4:00PM
