Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 16th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Cornices are large and could fail from the weight of a human. Wind slabs may linger at high elevations in the north of the region.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C.
WEDNESDAY: Increasing cloud, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1500 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -2 C.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 20 to 40 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
Avalanche Summary
The recent storm snow was reported as being reactive to rider traffic in the past few days in the north of the region, producing small avalanches on steep terrain features. Here and here are examples of avalanche activity within the recent snow in the north of the region. Looking forward, wind slabs could still be triggered by riders on Wednesday. Sun-exposed slopes and cornices may weaken during daytime warming, increasing the likelihood of cornice failures and wet loose avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs may linger in steep, lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations from Sunday's 5 to 15 cm of snow with associated southwest wind. The deepest and touchiest slabs are likely in the north of the region. Expect to find a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and below around 1500 m, which may moisten with daytime warming, particularly if sunny skies prevail. Large cornices line many ridges and will weaken with daytime warming.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Riders could still trigger wind slabs from recent snow and strong southwest wind. The most likely terrain to find them is on leeward, steep slopes adjacent to ridges. Thicker and potentially touchier slabs are expected in the north of the region, where more snow accumulated.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines. Progressive days of mild air temperature and periods of sunny skies are likely weakening cornices, increasing the likelihood of them releasing naturally or from the weight of a person.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanche activity is possible if sunny skies prevail. Use caution on steep, sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day. The problem is likely most prevalent in the north of the region where more snow accumulated.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 17th, 2021 4:00PM
