Avalanche Forecast
Regions: North Rockies.
Carefully assess steep lines for wind slab and limit exposure to slopes with cornices above. Please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report if you are recreating in the backcountry.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: Possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow with light southerly winds. Low of -10 at 2000 m.
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THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Friday: Sunny with no new snow expected and light westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Saturday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Moderate southwest winds and freezing levels rising to 2000 m in the north and up to 2300 m in the south.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity has been reported. Information is limited at this time of year. Please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network!
We suspect that small pockets of rider triggerable wind slab could be found in the alpine. As the sun comes out small wet loose avalanches are possible.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10 cm of recent storm snow overlies old wind effected surfaces. Below this another melt-freeze crust can be found down up to 40 cm on all aspects to 2000 m and mountain tops on solar aspects. Moist snow will likely be observed on solar aspects as the sun comes out.
The late March crust layer is found 40-70 cm deep.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs can be found in the alpine. These wind slabs will likely not bond well to the underlying surfaces.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3