Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 11th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
Snow Safety,
Friday should start with a good freeze but hazard will increase as the day warms up. Our danger ratings are for the highest level we expect to see over the course of the day, but these van vary wildly this time of year.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Continued nice weather on Friday. We should see a decent overnight freeze with 3000m temperatures reaching -5 and valley bottoms up to +5. Winds will be moderate to strong at 3000m and light at treeline. A significant warmup with high solar input is expected Saturday and Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm recent snow lies over firm surface crust on south aspects up to at least 2600 m and settled snow on north aspects. Some recent wind effect at higher elevations that seems limited to ridge crests. Recent profiles show the Feb. 19 and Jan. 27 facets in the upper meter with hard to no results. Cornices are huge.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported today with good visibility. Some heavy sluffing in alpine gullies was observed on Wednesday during a short/brief storm in the high alpine. Some recent several large persistent slabs were reported in high north aspects and we assume these were triggered by large cornice falls.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Sunday
Problems
Loose Wet
The next few days will see an increase in freezing levels and solar input, peaking on the weekend. We should see a good freeze Friday AM but watch afternoon solar effect as conditions can deteriorate quickly.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
We have had a few persistent slabs triggered by cornices (which are large!) over the past few days, mainly on alpine N aspects. If solar slopes start to break down from heat on Friday, these weak layers could reawaken on other aspects and elevations.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the persistent slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 12th, 2021 4:00PM
