Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2022 8:03PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.

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Summary

Weather Forecast

Ridge of high pressure breaks down on Friday with another approaching weather system for the weekend.

Fri: Cloud and sun, Alp Temp: -3, Wind: SW 15-30, Fz lvl: 1800 m

Sat: Flurries, 4 cm, Alp Temp -2, Wind: SW 15, gust to 40, Fz lvl: 1900 m

Sun Flurries, Alp Temp high +1, Wind Light to 20, Fz lvl: 2000 m

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm new snow overnight Wednesday with moderate winds covers a variety of spring surfaces. These include rain crust up to 2200m and solar crust into the alpine, and remnant wind slabs on alpine polar aspects buried on March 23. The March 11th crust is buried 40-70cm to 2000m and higher on solar asp.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet natural activity was observed along the highway corridor over Wednesday night and into Thursday. 

Observations of natural activity in the backcountry Thursday included wind slabs and wet slabs, MIN.

On Tuesday there were several loose wet avalanches observed in the HWY corridor, to size of 1.5. 

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Approximately 10-20cm of new snow fell overnight on Wednesday, coupled with moderate south-westerly wind, and warm temperatures. Expect new wind slabs on exposed terrain features in the Alpine.

  • Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

High freezing levels and strong solar inputs over the last two days have weakened the snowpack below treeline.

  • Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
  • Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: South, South West, West.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

While avalanche activity on this layer is tapering off in Rogers Pass, human-triggered avalanches are still possible, especially on steep solar aspects. Our neighbors West of Rogers Pass continue to witness activity on this layer.

  • Convex features and steep unsupported slopes on solar aspects will be most prone to triggering.
  • Evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2022 4:00PM

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