Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 12th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Tereza Turecka,
Caution with rising freezing levels as steep solar slopes and failing cornices will be of most concern in the next few days.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Saturday will be sunny with cloudy periods, no new snow and alpine high of -1 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 10-20 km/h. Freezing level: 1900 metres.Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -3 °C, High 1 °C. Mostly light ridge winds. Freezing level: 2300 metres.
Snowpack Summary
High solar input have created crusts and moist snow on solar aspects at TL and below. Expect this condition to increase in elevation with rising freezing levels. SW winds have redistributed the snow pack at TL and ALP. The mid pack is supportive in deep areas but weak in shallow areas where it fails on buried facet layers in test results.
Avalanche Summary
Patrol in the Icefields area reported no new avalanches on Friday.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Originally formed on weak Feb 20th facets. It is prudent to keep this on your radar with rising temperatures as reactivity may increase. Cornices weakened by the warmer temperatures will have the potential to trigger slabs below.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
As the mercury slowly rises above 0 and the sun comes out, solar slopes will loose strength. Caution with your timing when traveling on/under these features. Best time to travel is early while its frozen solid.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Caution in thin facetted snowpack areas where triggering is more likely. This is a low probability but high consequence problem.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 13th, 2021 4:00PM
