Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2015 8:33AM

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

Peter, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

It's still winter at and above treeline and the current avalanche problems dictate careful terrain selection. Check out the new video by the South Rockies Field Team in our blog section: www.avalanche.ca/blogs

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Unsettled conditions dominate early this week resulting in scattered convective precipitation, sunny breaks, and gusty winds. Monday: Mostly cloudy with periods of snow (around 5-10 cm). The freezing level is around 1300-1400 m and ridge winds are moderate from the west. Tuesday: Sun and cloud with periods of snow. The freezing level is near 1500 m and winds are light from the SW. Wednesday: Sunny breaks. The freezing level is around 1600-1700 m and winds might increase to moderate from the W.

Avalanche Summary

There are no reports of new avalanches for the past couple days. Neighbouring regions reports minimal loose wet sluffing from steep terrain on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

A moist or wet snow surface is expected on all aspects to around treeline and on sun-exposed slopes into the alpine. Dry snow can likely still be found on sheltered high elevation slopes. Ongoing strong SW winds are redistributing the surface snow in exposed high elevation terrain. A weak rain crust from last weekend is down 30-50cm and has a good bond with snow above. There are a couple older persistent weak layers in the midpack that are still intact and have the potential to wake-up with substantial warming or heavy loading. Cornices may become fragile with afternoon warming.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs may be found on exposed lee and cross-loaded slopes. These wind slabs may grow with unsettled and convective weather this week.

Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Expect moist surface snow to sluff out of steep terrain during sunny breaks or as the temperature rises during the day.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A crust/facet layer down 90 to 150cm, although unlikely, still has the potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger like cornice failure or a surface avalanche in motion.

Use caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2015 2:00PM