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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 21st, 2020–Mar 22nd, 2020
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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
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.

Keep your risk tolerance to a minimum while public health resources are strained. Be sure to post your observations to the Mountain Information Network if you are heading out! 

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Saturday night: Clear. Light north winds shifting west.

Sunday: Becoming cloudy over the day with flurries beginning overnight. Light to moderate southwest winds increasing over the day. Alpine temperatures falling from about -5 to -8.

Monday: Cloudy with easing flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow, 10-15 cm with overnight accumulations. Light southwest winds. Alpine high temperatures around -10.

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable winds. Alpine high temperatures around -9.

Avalanche Summary

Warm, sunny weather over recent days resulted in small wet loose avalanches (size 1-1.5) on south-facing slopes, especially in steep rocky terrain. See the photo in this MIN report for an example.

Looking forward, incoming cloud cover may temper natural wet loose and cornice activity on Sunday. On Sunday night an incoming storm should deliver enough new snow to bring fresh surface instabilities back into the picture. 

If you decide to travel in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions are a variable mix of crusts, hard wind slabs, and soft faceted snow, with surface crusts becoming moist on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations each day. 

The snowpack is generally strong and settled, with the exception of some areas in the eastern and northern parts of the region that have weak faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. However, this layer is considered dormant and has not produced an avalanche since February 20.

Terrain and Travel

  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Periods of sun may continue to promote wet loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes during the day. It could also weaken cornices.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5