Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Marcus Waring,

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Great skiing at the moment! Recent storm snow is settling well but exposed terrain is holding pockets of wind slab.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunday: A mix of sun & cloud with no precipitation. Alpine high -7 C. Wind W 10-20 km/h. Freezing level 1400m.

Monday: A mix of sun & cloud with isolated flurries and trace precipitation. Alpine temp Low -14 C, high -7. Wind NW 10-25. Freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday: Some cloud with isolated flurries & trace precipitation. Alpine temp low -23 C

Snowpack Summary

Sun crust forming on solar aspects. 10-30cm of recent storm snow is settling well and so far has only been a concern in exposed areas where wind slab development has occurred. A crust down 25-40cm is decomposing but can still be found below 2500m on south aspects. A widespread weak facet layer still lurks at the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.

Avalanche Summary

One natural size 2 cornice avalanche was observed on Thursday on Churchill. This cornice failure entrained loose dry snow below. Pin wheeling noted on steep solar aspects at tree line and below. No additional observations.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Winds remain northerly causing reverse loading near ridge top. Wind slabs development possible on all aspects.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

So far the strong overnight freeze has limited the effect of the sun but mild temps on Sunday may awaken this problem during the warmest period of the day on solar aspects.

  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2022 4:00PM

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