Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2017 4:15PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Uncertainty exists with the freezing level in the coming days. Expect to see rain to mountain top except in the highest reaches of the region. In areas where the latest precipitation is falling as snow, the danger may be higher than shown

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Wet snow or rain, accumulation 15-20cm / Moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 3 / Freezing level 1500mTHURSDAY: Wet snow or rain, accumulation 15cm / moderate south wind / Alpine temperature -1 / Freezing level 1000mFRIDAY: Snow and rain, accumulation 20-30cm / Moderate south wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 1200m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region. Expect thin loose wet avalanches in the alpine and tree line elevation bands in the coming days. In the highest alpine areas reactive storm and wind slabs may be forming.

Snowpack Summary

Last weekend's storm delivered 20-30 cm of wet snow in alpine terrain and rain elsewhere. That wet snow has frozen and bonded to the previous surface in all but the highest terrain where isolated storm and or wind slabs may sit above a rain crust. High freezing level and continued precipitation over the coming days will start to break down the recent crust formation.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
With rain to 1400m expected for Wednesday expect to see small loose wet avalanches at upper elevations. The expected size of avalanches will increase with elevation; the largest size range being higher in the alpine elevation band.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2017 2:00PM