Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 30th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Rising temperatures coupled with spring sun can pack a punch and quickly initiate natural avalanche activity and weaken cornices. Be ready to back off slopes as the surface becomes moist. Moderate wind could help keep things cool, but could also be building new wind slabs.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate northwest wind. Freezing level 500 m. Alpine temperature -7.
Wednesday: Sunny. Light to moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 2000 m. Alpine temperature -1.
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 2000 m. Alpine temperature -1.
Friday: Scattered flurries. Light to moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 1800 m. Alpine temperature -4.
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, numerous skier and explosive triggered storm slab avalanches were reported size 1-1.5, largely on NW aspects. By Tuesday, storm slabs became more stubborn to explosives and results were limited. Observations in the Hellroaring area, which received less snow, include a few size 1 wind slabs and a cornice-triggered size 1.5.
Reports during the storm on Sunday include several natural storm slabs size 1-2 and a natural size 2 loose wet avalanche on a northeast aspect around 1700 m. It is suspected to have scrubbed down to a crust near the ground, as rain and warm temperatures destabilized the full depth of the snowpack. Keep this one in mind as the snowpack heats up again on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
15-40 cm of recent snow has seen some redistribution by southwest to northwest wind, and seems to be bonding well with underlying surfaces. Dry snow that sees direct sun or experiences above freezing temperatures for the first time Wednesday may become reactive as it settles rapidly. Crusty surfaces below treeline will become moist with rising freezing levels.
A widespread crust layer from the mid-March warm spell can be found 30-60 cm deep, and small surface hoar has been observed at this depth on some isolated north-facing slopes. Reports suggest the snow is generally well bonded to these layers. Deeper layers are strong and have been unreactive over the past few weeks.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs are most likely to be reactive:
- at elevations with dry snow experiencing rapid warming for the first time (around 1800 m)
- on dry southerly aspects seeing strong sun for the first time
- in freshly wind loaded terrain features at upper elevations
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are fragile due to rapid growth from recent snow and wind. Strong sun will further weaken them. Cornice falls are dangerous in their own right and they can also trigger slabs on slopes below.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possibly below treeline.
Dry loose avalanches will be very likely on steep south facing slopes at upper elevations when the sun comes out in the afternoon.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 31st, 2021 4:00PM
