Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 10th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
New wind slab formation may occur on Thursday as a multi-day storm rolls in.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 20 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -8 C.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 40 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -7 C.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 30 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1400 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed on Wednesday at the time of writing. Looking ahead, newly formed wind slabs will be the primary concern on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
An incoming storm will bring strong southwest wind and a bit of new snow on Thursday, forming wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations. The new snow may overly widespread wind affect at alpine elevations, feathery surface hoar on northerly aspects and in sheltered terrain features around treeline, or a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and below treeline.
There are presently no widespread deeper concerns. However, faceted snow at the base of the snowpack exists in much of the region and always has the potential of being triggered in shallow, rocky slopes.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
As a storm starts impacting the region on Thursday, new snow and strong wind may form new wind slabs. The most likely place to find them will be in steep terrain features adjacent to ridges. Look for signs of instability and be cautious if you enter steep features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 11th, 2021 4:00PM
