Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2021–Mar 15th, 2021

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

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

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Recently formed slabs could be triggered by riders on Monday. Use added caution around cornices and on sun-exposed slopes as the snow warms up over the day.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with intermittent snowfall then clearing, 20 km/h east wind, alpine temperature -13 C.

MONDAY: Partly cloudy, 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, 10 to 30 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -4 C.

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs were reported as being touchy on Sunday, with slabs around 10 to 20 cm thick. Wind slabs were likely touchy at higher elevations too, but limited observations were made due to extreme wind. Looking forward, wind slabs could still be triggered by riders on Monday. Sun-exposed slopes and cornices will also weaken during daytime warming.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 20 cm of snow fell in the region on Sunday, likely forming storm slabs in sheltered terrain and wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain at treeline and alpine elevations. The snow overlies previously moist snow or a hard crust in most areas except for high-elevation northerly aspects, where it fell on previously wind-affected snow. Sun-exposed slopes may moisten on Monday if clear skies prevail. Cornices will also weaken in the sun.

Terrain and Travel

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.
A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs could still be triggerable by riders from Sunday's snow and strong to extreme southeast wind. Use particular caution in steep terrain features on the leeward side of ridgelines.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices may weaken when the sun is shining. Also use caution on steep, sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day, as the recent snow may weaken and form loose wet avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3