Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 6th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
The potential exists to trigger wind slabs in steep, leeward terrain features at upper elevations. Carefully assess your line for wind affected snow, and signs of instability such as shooting cracks, whumpfing, or hollow sounds.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light south wind / alpine low temperature near -8
SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / light to moderate southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -7
MONDAY - Mainly cloudy / light west wind / alpine high temperature near -8
TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light west wind / alpine high temperature near -10
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, there were reports of a few natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2, and a size 1 human-triggered wind slab avalanche in the north of the region near Ningunsaw.
On Thursday, there were a few small, natural loose wet avalanches reported at low elevations. There were also two natural storm slab avalanches, size 2 and 3, reported in the Howson Range.
On Wednesday there were no new avalanches reported for most of the region. There was a natural avalanche cycle in the Howson Range, which likely received recent snowfall amounts that were more in line with the amounts received in the Northwest Coastal region.
Snowpack Summary
30-40 cm of recent fresh snow has been redistributed by previous strong winds. Windward slopes have been scoured down to rocks in some areas. Wind slabs may be reactive on leeward slopes at upper elevations. Solar aspects may have a thin sun crust and below treeline the surface is likely a melt-freeze crust.
60-90 cm of snow sits on a variety of old snow interfaces consisting of hard wind-affected snow in exposed terrain and weak, faceted snow or possibly surface hoar in sheltered terrain. Recent reports suggest that the new snow is bonding to these layers.
Faceted snow at the base of the snowpack exists in much of the region.
Terrain and Travel
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be reactive to human triggers at upper elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 7th, 2021 4:00PM
