Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 14th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ldreier,
Avalanche Canada
Temperatures are cooling overnight. The remaining concern is isolated wind slabs in the alpine. Even small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy, up to 5 cm new snow, 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine low -8 C, freezing level lowering to 1000 m.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, trace of new snow, 20 km/h westerly wind, alpine high -1 C, freezing level 1400 m.
TUESDAY: Sunny, 20 km/h westerly wind, alpine high 2 C, freezing level 1700 m.
WEDNESDAY: Sunny, 30 km/h southerly wind, alpine high 4 C, freezing level 1900 m.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed on solar aspects on Saturday. A few small wet slab avalanches were reported as well as a couple cornice failures of size 2 which did not trigger avalanches on the slopes below.
Naturally triggered wet loose avalanches were reported up to size 2 on solar aspects in the alpine on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of recent convective snow and moderate westerly winds have formed fresh wind slabs below alpine ridgetops. Sunny skies and warm temperatures formed sun crusts on solar aspects at all elevations and up to 2000 m on polar aspects. Dry snow still exists on north aspects at upper elevations. Large cornices loom over alpine ridgetops.
Persistent weak layers of surface hoar, crusts, and/or facets 80-120 cm down have recently been unreactive and no recent avalanches have been reported on these layers.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent convective flurries in parts of the region and light to moderate winds may have formed reactive slabs in isolated alpine locations. Steep, convex slopes below alpine ridgetops are the most likely places to trigger these slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2021 4:00PM
