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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 12th, 2021–Mar 13th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Northwest Inland.

Another 20 to 40 cm new snow combined with strong southwest wind will continue to form touchy storm slabs and wind slabs. The avalanche danger will continue to increase throughout the day. A good day to stick to mellow terrain without overhead hazard!

Confidence

High - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, 10 to 20 cm new snow, 60 km/h southwest wind, alpine low -5 C, freezing level rising to 1300 m. 

SATURDAY: Cloudy, 10 to 20 cm new snow, 80 km/h southwest wind, alpine high +2 C, freezing level 1500 m.

SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, 10 to 20 cm new snow, 30 km/h westerly wind, alpine high -5 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, trace of new snow, 30 km/h westerly wind, alpine high -5 C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Friday at the time of writing. Looking ahead, newly formed storm slabs and wind slabs will be the primary concern on Saturday. 

Snowpack Summary

The storm brought around 20 cm new snow on Friday and more snow is in the forecast. The new snow may overly widespread wind affect at alpine elevations, feathery surface hoar on northerly aspects and in sheltered terrain features around treeline, or a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and below treeline.

There are presently no widespread deeper concerns. However, faceted snow at the base of the snowpack exists in much of the region and always has the potential of being triggered in shallow, rocky slopes.

Terrain and Travel

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.