Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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Limit exposure to slopes with cornices above and assess steep lines for wind slabs before committing to them.

Summary

Confidence

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Weather Forecast

Saturday night: Possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow with light southeast winds. Low of -4 at 1500 m.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with no new snow expected. Light variable winds and freezing levels rising to 1300 m.

Monday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Light variable winds and freezing levels rising to 1300 m.

Tuesday: Cloudy with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow with light to moderate south winds. Freezing levels rising to 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

ON Friday our field team observed a few dry loose avalanches up to size 1.5 on north facing terrain in the alpine. Several small wet loose avalanches were also observed at lower elevations in the region.

Snowpack Summary

A supportive crust extends into the alpine on all aspects. This crust will likely become moist at lower elevations as the freezing level rises. Wind slabs may be found at high elevations on north and east aspects.

A couple of layers of weak crystals in the upper snowpack appear to be bonding according to recent snowpack tests. Additionally, we suspect that the surface crust will help bridge these layers, further decreasing their likelihood of triggering.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
  • A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Overhanging cornices have been observed in the region.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

wind slabs could still be found near ridge crests or steep rollovers in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2022 4:00PM