Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2019 4:03PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Prepare for another week without snow and remain cautious in steep and wind loaded terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear, 30-40 km/h east wind, alpine temperature drop to -20 C.SUNDAY: Sunny, 30-50 km/h east wind, alpine high temperature near -12 C.MONDAY: Sunny, 20-30 km/h east wind, alpine high temperature near -11 C.TUESDAY: Sunny, 30-40 km/h southeast wind, alpine high temperature near -6 C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Friday.On Thursday, there were reports of several loose avalanches up to size 1.5 that were triggered by the sun on steep south-facing slopes. A few of these loose avalanches triggered small slab avalanches, up to size 1.5.On Wednesday, there were several reports of wind slab avalanches to size 1.5, and one size 3 occurring on a south aspect at 2000 m. There were also reports of loose avalanches being triggered by the sun on steep, south facing terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Recent strong winds have formed wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Due to variable wind directions, wind slabs may be found on all aspects. The snow surface is likely a crust on south facing slopes.Soft snow can still be found in sheltered terrain, and in most areas, 20-50 cm of snow sits on old wind slabs and a crust on south facing slopes. In some sheltered areas, this snow sits on facets (sugary snow) and surface hoar (feathery crystals).In the south of the region, the lower snowpack is considered generally strong. In the north of the region, there may be a layer of surface hoar and facets buried approximately 50 cm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong wind from a variety of directions has likely formed wind slabs on all aspects.
Watch for patterns of wind loading as you venture into wind affected terrain.Seek out sheltered areas where the snow is unaffected by wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2019 2:00PM

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