Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2019 3:39PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Seasonal weather returns. The best riding will be on northerly aspects up high, but travel with caution, as a buried weak layer may still exist.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds, light south wind, freezing level 2300 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light southeast wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1700 m.MONDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light south wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1700 m.

Avalanche Summary

Many wet loose avalanches were observed between Sunday and Thursday. They were large (up to size 3), occurred mostly on southeast to southwest aspects, and at all elevations. Numerous persistent and wet slab avalanches were also triggered naturally, by skiers, and explosives on Thursday. They occurred on all aspects and generally at treeline and alpine elevations. Â They were most often 30 to 50 cm deep, with some of them releasing on the weak layer described in the snowpack summary.The wet avalanche cycle will diminish over the weekend as cooler and cloudier weather prevails.

Snowpack Summary

Below around 1600 m, the snow surface should remain wet on all aspects due to rain this weekend. Above around 1600 m, the weekendâ€™s precipitation should fall as snow.Â The snow will overly a melt-freeze crust on all aspects up to 2000 m and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes. The new snow will fall onto previously dry snow and potentially surface hoar crystals on northerly aspects above 2000 m.The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is on northerly aspects above around 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow. This layer is buried around 40 to 60 cm.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 40 to 60 cm thick slab of snow may be poorly bonded to weak, sugary faceted snow. This layer is likely most problematic on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where it is associated with hard, wind-affected snow.

Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that buried instabilities are still present.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Loose Wet

The snowpack may remain saturated below the snow-rain level, so loose wet avalanches may still be possible to trigger.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid exposure to areas with overhead hazard during periods of rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2019 2:00PM