Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 6th, 2021 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
matt,
Avalanche Canada
As we quickly approach spring remember that heat is a major contributor to avalanche cycles. In the days and weeks to come watch localized warming trends and solar inputs. Field based weather forecasting becomes increasingly important as spring goes on.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
We are returning to a more seasonal pattern for the next few days. Tomorrow will start at -10C and warm up to -6C. Sunny aspects and lower elevations will have warmer temperatures climbing to just above zero. Like today, flurries will blow through and give us a few centimeters of snow. Speaking of blowing, the SW winds will be gusty and variable in the alpine, but more or less calm in valley bottoms.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing from the last 24 hours, but evidence of a widespread loose wet cycle is still visible.
Snowpack Summary
We did get a few cm's of new snow today, which is welcome. In most areas the recent warmth has taken a toll with widespread crusts up to treeline elevations. Sunny aspects will now have a thinly buried crust up to alpine elevations. On the shady sides, there is still a series of stacked windslabs that are becoming less reactive as the snowpack cools.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
- Pay attention to isolated alpine features as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Despite the strong heat not much activity was observed on this interface. Recent skier triggerred activity indicate that it should still be very much in your mind as you travel.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Windslabs exist in the upper snowpack that feel drummy and cakey in some areas. Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.
.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 7th, 2021 3:00PM
