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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 5th, 2021–Mar 6th, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

This is the second consecutive day of warm temperatures. Hazard will increase on at all elevations if the sun comes out, especially on steep solar aspects.

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with sunny periods today. Freezing levels remain high for the second day in a row, climbing to 2200m with an alpine high of 0 C. Ridge wind south 25km/h gusting to 70km/h. A cold front arrives tonight bringing cooler temperatures (alpine low -8.0) and 13cm of new snow. Saturday marks the start of a relatively cold and dry period.

Snowpack Summary

Yesterday above freezing temperatures climbed to 2200m creating moist surface snow. A weak overnight refreeze created a thin crust on solar exposures in the alpine and all aspects below treeline. Wind slabs exist near ridges, and low density powder remains on high noth aspects. The February facet/ crust persistent weak layer is down 80-120cm.

Avalanche Summary

Warm temperatures created an isolated natural avalanche cycle yesterday with 1 size 3.0 and 2 size 2.5 observed in the highway corridor. Several loose snow point release avalanches were observed on steep, rocky, solar exposed slopes. A size 3.0 icefall-triggered avalanche was reported on the east face of Mt Sir Donald.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

This is the second consecutive day of warm temperatures with freezing levels climbing into the alpine. A weak surface crust will break down quickly today. Wet loose avalanches will be a factor this afternoon, especially if and when the sun comes out.

  • Best conditions on sheltered northerly aspects.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Previous extreme winds have left behind variable wind slabs in the Alpine and exposed areas of Treeline. A skier accidental size 3 wind slab occurred yesterday in the Grizzly Couloir, triggered by the 4th skier in the group. Click here for details.

  • Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5