Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 24th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs may linger in steep terrain on all aspects at higher elevations. Best to avoid sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day if the skies are clear.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clearing, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.
THURSDAY: Clear skies, light northeast wind, treeline temperatures around -3 C, freezing level 1600 m.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -4 C, freezing level 1400 m.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with afternoon snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature around -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
A few cornices were triggered naturally and from explosives on Tuesday and Wednesday. They were very large, as is expected at this time of year.
Looking forward, wind slabs and cornices may remain triggerable at higher elevations and use caution on sun-exposed slopes if clear skies prevail.
Snowpack Summary
Around 5 to 10 cm of snow accumulated Tuesday night, with strong wind from the southwest switching to northeast. New wind slabs likely formed during this time, which may linger in steep, alpine terrain features. This snow adds to the 30+ cm that accumulated on the weekend. All of the new snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. Observations suggest the snow has bonded well to these old interfaces. There are currently no concerning weak layers in the snowpack, although a spotty early season facet layer deep in the snowpack could return as a problem later in the season.
Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found on all aspects up high due to strong wind from variable directions.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Use caution on steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day if sunny skies prevail. The problem is most likely a potential concern at higher elevations where recent snow has accumulated.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 25th, 2021 4:00PM
