Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2015 8:35AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

This forecast was created using limited field data. If you've been out in the mountains, please share what you've observed through the Mountain Information Network. For details, check-out: http://www.avalanche.ca/news/VMgrmyUAAJQpmL6o/min-how-to

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and cloud for the forecast period with light flurries possible on Monday evening. Winds should remain generally light with daytime freezing levels sitting at about 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

Wind slab triggering may be possible over the weekend. Loose wet avalanche to size 2 were also observed in steep, below treeline terrain. Forecast sunny breaks may promote ongoing loose wet avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Light accumulations from Friday may now exist as a soft wind slab in high elevation lee terrain. The new snow overlies older wind slabs, crusts and wind-scoured surfaces. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack may include hard crusts and/or weak facet crystals. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Below treeline, the snow is in a spring melt-freeze cycle.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Although they've likely gained strength, recently formed wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering in high elevation lee terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Forecast sunny breaks may promote ongoing loose wet avalanche activity. Warming and solar radiation may also trigger destructive cornice falls.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2015 2:00PM