Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 28th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Barb Sharp,
Avalanche conditions are expected to improve in the short term with cooling temperatures.
High freezing levels are forecasted for Wednesday and may lead to an increase in avalanche hazard.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The current storm is expected to end overnight Sunday with isolated flurries, light to moderate N-NW winds and freezing levels lowering to valley bottom on Monday and Tuesday.Â
Snowpack Summary
10cm of HN with continued snowfall brings the recent HST up to 40cm. This new snow overlies previous surfaces such as hard windslab and variable crusts at TL/ALP elevations. The snow pack varies throughout the region from strong supportive snow in deeper areas to weak facetted snow in the shallow areas.
Avalanche Summary
Limited observations due to poor visibility. Avalanche control is planned for later today and this evening and results will be reported in tomorrow's bulletin.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs can be found in lee features near ridge crests, and in cross-loaded gullies.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
The new snow along with warm temperatures may lead to the formation of storm slabs. The distribution BTL is dependant on the freezing levels Sunday afternoon / evening (elevations where it is raining and below will not have a storm slab problem).
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
New snowfall, warm temperatures and moderate to strong winds may be the triggers that wake up this layer.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 29th, 2021 4:00PM
