Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2015 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
conrad janzen,
Avalanche Canada
The new snow has improved ski conditions at treeline and above. Watch for increasing hazard as wind slabs develop on specific terrain features and keep an eye on cornice development over the weekend. Travel remains a bit rugged at lower elevations.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Light snow and mild temperatures with moderate SW winds are forecast through Saturday. Sunday we expect a mix of sun and cloud with cooler temperatures. Monday and beyond look unsettled with occasional light precipitation.
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm of new snow on Friday with moderate SW winds. Wind slabs up to 35cm deep are present in immediate lee areas of the alpine. The mid pack and base of the snowpack are well settled and well bonded overall. Surface crusts and/or moist snow exist below 1900m.
Avalanche Summary
Several skier triggered small wind slabs in immediate lee features were reported by the local ski areas on Friday. We expect this problem to increase slightly over the weekend.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs are starting to become more sensitive to human triggering on lee features in the alpine. This will continue to increase through the weekend given the current forecast. Cornices will also be a concern with the new snow and wind.
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 21st, 2015 4:00PM
