Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 21st, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
cgarritty,
Avalanche Canada
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!
Summary
Confidence
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2020 5:00PM
