Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Elevated freezing levels and afternoon sun will increase the likelihood of wet avalanche activity at all elevations. 

Take care on terrain features where wet or heavy surface snow is present.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how the snowpack will react to the forecast weather.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Freezing levels remain high, around 2000 m. Mostly cloudy with 10-15 mm of rain. The highest peaks near the north boundary of the region may see precipitation fall as snow. Moderate southwest winds. 

MONDAY: Partly cloudy. Flurries bring another 5 mm, falling mostly as rain with the freezing level remaining above 1800 m. Light and variable winds. 

TUESDAY: Mostly clear with freezing levels rising near 2500 m. Light and southwest winds. 

WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy with freezing levels around 1000 m. Up to 10 cm of snow is possible overnight and through the day. Moderate westerly winds. 

Avalanche Summary

Several small loose wet avalanches have been naturally triggered in the last 3 days by raised freezing levels, short periods of sunshine and rain. 

If you venture into the mountains, please share any observations on the Mountain Information Network

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow or a melt freeze crust likely exists to mountain top. The crust may break down as temperatures rise, and on south facing slopes as the sun pokes out.

The upper snowpack consists of hard wind pressed surfaces and a series crusts. The mid and lower snowpack is considered well-settled.

This MIN report describes recent conditions well.

Terrain and Travel

  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

As sunshine and warm temperatures weaken the surface snow, wet avalanches become more likely. Watch for wet and heavy surface snow. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2022 4:00PM