Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2015 10:04AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

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Summary

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2015 2:00PM