Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

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Lingering wind slabs in open terrain at upper elevations are the main concern.

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY Night: Cloudy with clear periods, light northeast wind, treeline temperatures around -6 C, freezing level 1000 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -4 C, freezing level 1400 m.

SATURDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature around -3 C, freezing level 1400 m.

SUNDAY: Snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -6 C, freezing level 1100 m.

Avalanche Summary

A few cornices were triggered naturally and from explosives on Tuesday and Wednesday. They were very large, as is expected at this time of year.

Looking forward, wind slabs and cornices may remain triggerable at higher elevations and use caution on sun-exposed slopes if clear skies prevail.

Snowpack Summary

Around 5 to 10 cm of snow accumulated Tuesday night, with strong wind from the southwest switching to northeast. New wind slabs likely formed during this time, which may linger in steep, alpine terrain features. This snow adds to the 30+ cm that accumulated on the weekend. All of the new snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. Observations suggest the snow has bonded well to these old interfaces. There are currently no concerning weak layers in the snowpack, although a spotty early season facet layer deep in the snowpack could return as a problem later in the season.

Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found on all aspects up high due to strong wind from variable directions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2021 4:00PM