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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 20th, 2022–Mar 21st, 2022
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Rockies.

Crusts on solar aspect are becoming more the norm. Dry snow, and better riding quality, will be found on the more shaded aspects, but watch for wind slabs in alpine areas.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partially cloudy, isolated flurries. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level dropping to 700 m.

MONDAY: Cloudy, isolated flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m in the afternoon.

TUESDAY: Partially cloudy with light flurries. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 3300 m in the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. Moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 3000 m in the afternoon. 

Avalanche Summary

A few large wind slab avalanches occurred in alpine terrain on Tuesday (size 2 to 3), otherwise, avalanche activity in the past week has been limited to small wind slabs and wet loose avalanches (size 1).

Snowpack Summary

Strong southwest wind has impacted surface snow conditions at upper elevations and built windslab in lee areas. The surface is moist and crusty below 1800 m and on solar aspects into the alpine. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snowfall and westerly winds are expected to have formed wind slabs in lee features in the alpine. Watch for areas where recent slabs are overlying a sun crust that can act as a perfect bed surface.

Cornices may have grown significantly in the past two weeks. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridge-lines and minimize overhead exposure to large cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2