Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2020 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada William Lawson, Parks Canada

Strong to Extreme alpine winds will continue to develop the wind slab problem at upper elevations. Limit your exposure to overhead hazards like cornices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow overnight Monday with accumulation amounts of 2-5cm. Alpine winds will continue to be in the strong to extreme range over the next few days. Another more significant pulse of snow is forecasted for Tuesday night with forecasted accumulation amount of 10-20cm. Freezing levels will remain near valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow with strong SW winds forming new wind slab in the alpine down to tree line. Watch for buried sun crust on steep solar aspects. The Feb 1 rain crust is down 30-60 cm and present below 1900 m. Generally this area has a strong snowpack, with snow depths over 300 cm in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Direct observations of a few small natural avalanches initiated from strong SW winds were noted Monday afternoon.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New wind slab development in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. Expect these to be reactive to human triggering in the immediate lee of terrain features and in steep gullies.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2020 4:00PM