Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 29th, 2015–Mar 30th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Very strong winds are expected that will rapidly set up wind slabs in many areas.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Monday: Around 10 cm new snow expected. Freezing levels around 1500 m. Ridgetop winds gusting to 80 km/h from the southwest. Tuesday and Wednesday: 1-2 cm new snow expected each day. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Winds diminishing in intensity and blowing from the west.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche reports.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 20 cm of dense storm snow overlies a variety of crusty old surfaces. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack may include hard crusts and/or facet crystals, although not much is known about the reactivity or spatial distribution of these layers. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Unpredictable, full-depth glide avalanches are also a concern on low elevation slopes with smooth ground cover (grassy slopes, rock slabs, etc.) where large cracks have formed from the snowpack slipping on the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds are expected to be strong to extreme on Monday from the southwest. Combine this with around 10 cm new snow, and touchy wind slabs could develop very rapidly on a variety of lee and cross-loaded slopes in exposed areas.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by windloading may reach run out zones.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4