Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2016 9:04AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Kootenay Boundary.

When the weather clears, sun can destabilise cornices and recent storm snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Snow showers linger on Friday before a ridge brings mixed sun and cloud for the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming in some areas. Recently formed melt freeze/ sun crusts are now buried by 10-15 cm storm snow. Several crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. The late February persistent weak layer down 70 to 120 cm remains a lingering concern. Test results are variable, with occasional sudden planar (pop) results. This interface may remain more reactive on northerly (shaded) aspects above about 1700 m, where buried surface hoar has the best chance of preservation. On sunny aspects, this interface may be a crust/ facet layer. While becoming unlikely, it could be triggered by a cornice fall or from a thin snowpack area.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may be triggered by the weight of a person. Be on the lookout in steep terrain, especially on wind-loaded features.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large fragile cornices threaten many slopes. A cornice fall could trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.

Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

While becoming unlikely, a persistent slab could still fail with a large trigger like a cornice fall, or from a thin snowpack area.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried weak layers.>Avoid thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2016 2:00PM