Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 30th, 2015–Mar 31st, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

If you've been out in the mountains, please share your observations through the Mountain Information Network. Click here for more info.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Expect continued unsettled conditions for the forecast period with trace amounts of new snow expected each day. Daytime freezing levels should hover around 1100m with ridgetop winds remaining mostly moderate from the southwest.

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs up to size 2.5 were observed over the weekend in the southwest corner of the region. They formed in response to new snow and wind. No other new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 20 cm of dense storm snow overlies a variety of crusty old surfaces. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack may include hard crusts and/or facet crystals, although not much is known about the reactivity or spatial distribution of these layers. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Unpredictable, full-depth glide avalanches are also a concern on low elevation slopes with smooth ground cover (grassy slopes, rock slabs, etc.) where large cracks have formed from the snowpack slipping on the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 10cm of new snow and strong to extreme southwest winds should form reactive new wind slabs on a variety of lee and cross-loaded slopes in exposed areas.

Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by windloading may reach run out zones.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4