Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2013 10:19AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Monday: Overcast conditions with moderate to heavy snowfall developing late in the day / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1200mTuesday: Moderate to heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1500mWednesday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1800mNote: The bulk of the precipitation is expected to fall in the south of the region for the forecast period

Avalanche Summary

Windslabs to size 1.5 were skier triggered on steep, north facing slopes in the north of the region on Saturday. They were reported to have ran on surface hoar buried on March 9th. .

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of new snow overlies a variety of old surfaces which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects, faceted powder on shaded slopes, and surface hoar. The surface hoar, which was reported from the north of the region, has already been reactive in spots where it was buried by thin wind slabs formed by strong southwest winds on Saturday.Between 50 and 80cm below the surface is a layer surface hoar which was buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope.Below this the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs exist and are particularly reactive in areas where they overlie weak surface hoar crystals. New wind/ storm slabs are also expected to form with forecast weather on Monday afternoon.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2013 2:00PM