Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2017 4:37PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Snow fall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday; watch for developing hazard during the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Periods of snow, accumulation 15-20cm Tuesday night through Wednesday / Moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1400 m THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light northwest wind / Alpine temperature -3 / Freezing level 1600mFRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light to moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1200

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Tuesday indicate explosive and skier controlled avalanches to size 2 and 2.5. These were mostly wind and storm slabs failing 10-40cm deep. Some were also triggered by cornices pulling out 20-30cm slabs on slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

Continued light to moderate snowfall is expected to add to the recent storm slabs. 2000m and below, the storm snow lies above a crust that formed last week. A rain crust that was buried around March 15 is now 80-100 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of tree line and into the alpine. This interface is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be present nearer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer is becoming dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New storm slabs are expected to develop overnight and during the day on Wednesday. Precipitation amounts are uncertain; watch for developing hazard during the day.
Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
The forecast storm is expected to continue to develop new cornice growth. While cornices are a hazard in themselves, the danger increases when they have the potential to act as a trigger to slabs sitting beneath them.
Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Even small cornice falls may trigger larger avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2017 2:00PM