Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 26th, 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
Watch for pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Seek out sheltered, north facing terrain for the best snow quality.
Avoid steep, sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day as brief sunny periods can significantly weaken the snowpack at this time of year.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT - Clear periods / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -7
SATURDAY - Mainly cloudy / moderate to strong west wind / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 2100 m
SUNDAY - Snow, 5-10 cm, with another 15 cm overnight / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 2000 m
MONDAY - Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 cm / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -10
Avalanche Summary
The likelihood of loose avalanches may increase with rising temperatures and solar radiation on Saturday.
On Thursday, there were a few reports of dry loose avalanches on steep south-facing terrain.
On Wednesday, the neighboring Waterton National Park reported size 1 dry loose activity on steep solar aspects.
On Monday and Tuesday, we received a few reports of size 1 natural and explosive-triggered wind slabs in steep, unsupported alpine features in the south of the region where recent snowfall amounts have been greatest.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of new snow has accumulated over recent days. This snow overlies a crust on all but northerly aspects in the alpine. The extent of wind effect in the alpine varies through the region, with some windward slopes stripped of the recent snow
30-60 cm of snow sits above a layer of sugary facets that were buried in mid-February. In some areas, there may be an old layer of feathery surface hoar or facets from late January down 50 to 80 cm deep. There have been no reported avalanches on either of these layers in the region since March 9th in the Crowsnest area.
The mid-pack is firm and well settled. Some faceted snow and a decomposing melt-freeze crust can be found near the base of the snowpack.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind loaded pockets in lee terrain features such as beneath ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 27th, 2021 4:00PM
