Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 14th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
Confidence
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.
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2021 4:00PM
