Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 24th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Steep alpine terrain may still hold wind slabs. If sunny skies prevail, use caution on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10 cm of new snow through the morning with higher amounts in the south of the region, light northwest wind, freezing 1200 m with treeline temperatures around -4 C.
THURSDAY: Sunny in the north of the region and mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries bringing 1-3 cm for the south of the region, light north wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -3 C.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light southwest wind, freezing level 1600 m with treeline temperatures -2 C.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy wtih isolated flurries, light southwest wind, freezing level 1800 m with treeline temperatures -1 C.
Avalanche Summary
Small avalanches were triggered within recent snow on Tuesday. This was likely the case for Wednesday as well, within the 5-15 cm of overnight snow.
Looking forward, wind slabs may remain triggerable at higher elevations and use caution on sun-exposed slopes if clear skies prevail, which is forecast for the north of the region.
Snowpack Summary
Another 5 to 15 cm of snow on Wednesday adds to the 15 to 30 cm of settled snow from the weekend. All this snow is likely bonding to the snowpack, but there could be some wind slabs that linger at higher elevations from southwest wind. All this snow sits above a widespread hard crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.
Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow has likely been blown into wind slabs at higher elevations. Carefully assess for wind slabs prior to committing to steep features with high consequence.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Use caution on steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day if sunny skies prevail, which is forecast for the north of the region (e.g., Duffey, Hurley). The problem is most likely a potential concern at higher elevations where recent snow has accumulated.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 25th, 2021 4:00PM
