Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 22nd, 2021 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
Kate Ryan,
Although Spring has sprung, expect a wintery snowpack up high!
Re-evaluate hazard as you change aspect and elevation.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A broad upper trough over the province means unsettled conditions today.
Today: Flurries, 6cm. Fzl 1300m. Wind NW 15-30 km/h
Tonight: Cloudy with clear periods. No precip. Fzl lowering to valley bottom. Wind N 15-25 km/h
Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Fzl 1200m. Wind SW 25-35 km/h
Snowpack Summary
30-45 cm of new snow is covering a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, surface hoar on dry settled snow on polar aspects, and a moist upper snowpack at lower elevations. Cornices are large and fragile, be sure to maintain good travel habits and give them a wide berth.
Avalanche Summary
The infrasound avalanche detection system has signalled a couple of avalanches this morning from steep north aspects in the highway corridor. On Saturday, a few large slab avalanches occurred from the steep north paths off Mt. Macdonald and the glide crack on lower Avalanche Crest 4 also released.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
Up to 45cm of new snow has fallen since Saturday, and has been accompanied by moderate to strong south winds promoting the formation of storm slabs. These slabs will be most reactive where they overlie surface hoar, or a solid melt-freeze crust.
- Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
- Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Expect loose snow to run readily in steep terrain that is sheltered from the wind in the alpine and treeline. The new snow seems to be bonding better below treeline.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2021 8:00AM
