Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 2021 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
Andrew Jones,
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.
Summary
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
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2021 8:00AM
