Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 12th, 2017 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
aaron beardmore,
Avalanche Canada
A warming trend is producing uncertainty as to how wind and persistent slabs will react in the coming days.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Cloud cover and very light precip (<10cm) is forecasted for the next few days. However, wind is expected to be, at times, in the strong range from the west. Temperatures will likely be just below zero at 2000m for the next 24 hours.
Snowpack Summary
60-70cm of storm snow this week has been reactive but is settling with the warmer temperatures. Winds at upper elevations have formed variable wind slabs and cornices. Persistent weak layers in the midpack have been gaining strength and are becoming less of a problem, especially in deeper areas close to the Wapta.
Avalanche Summary
We have had many large, deep avalanches this week, both natural and along highway control paths. With warming temperatures, we expect to see continued avalanche activity.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
60-70cm of dry snow from the past week has been blown into cohesive wind slabs at higher elevations. These windslabs have potential to be touchy in places.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 13th, 2017 4:00PM
