Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2015 8:00AM

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

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy with sunny periods for the next few days with cooler arctic air bringing daytime highs in around -10C. Light westerly winds will make these temperatures feel that much colder in wind exposed terrain. There is a chance of light snow Friday....

Snowpack Summary

A thin layer of new snow now covers the previous surface of crust, facets, surface hoar and pockets of thin soft slab. This new snow is available for transport as was observed yesterday afternoon when northerly winds picked up causing snow plumes off high ridge lines. Riders can expect to find pockets of soft slab in the immediate lees of ridges.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity to report.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Persistent Slabs

There are a number of weak layers in the snowpack that are hard to trigger but could result in large avalanches if they fail. Large cornice fall or prolonged strong solar radiation are possible triggers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Wind Slabs

Recent new snow was just enough to make it harder to spot wind loaded pockets. Isolated pockets of wind slab are still reactive to skiers given the right location on steep lee features. Keep this in mind if committing to steep exposed terrain.

Travel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2015 8:00AM