Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 31st, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Cornices.
MBender,
Avalanche Canada
Warm temperatures and solar radiation will increase hazard on steep slopes facing the sun during the hottest part of the day. Watch for wind slabs in exposed terrain at upper elevations.
Summary
Confidence
High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY Night - Mostly clear / moderate south west wind / alpine high -3 C / freezing level 1500 m
THURSDAY- Partly cloudy / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine high 3 C / freezing level 2100 m
FRIDAY- Mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high 1 C / freezing level to 2000 m
SATURDAY - Mix of sun and cloud / light west and southwest wind / alpine low temperature near 3 C / freezing level 2200 m
Avalanche Summary
A size 2 cornice triggered storm slab was reported south of Sparwood on Tuesday. A few size 1 loose moist ski cuts were reported with some limited warming at lower elevations.
Widespread natural and explosives triggered avalanches up to size 2.5, and skier controlled avalanches up to size 2 were reported on Monday.Â
Glide cracks continue to grow. This serves as a great reminder to avoid slopes with glide cracks on them at all times. They are inherently unstable and can release at any time.
Snowpack Summary
The 30-55 cm of recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous melt freeze crusts from mid March that were found on all but steep north facing alpine slopes. Moderate westerly winds have been transporting snow and forming new wind slabs in lee features. Cornices are reported to be large and looming. With rising freezing levels and sunny skies, snow will likely lose strength as it get moist at lower elevations and upper elevations on solar aspects.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches in steep southerly terrain should be on your radar with sunny skies and freezing levels rising to ridge top on Thursday again.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. Westerly winds have been loading lee terrain, especially near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Recent strong southwest through northwest winds have been building fresh cornice growth.
Cornices falls can be a hazard on their own, and can also act as a trigger for avalanches on the slopes below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 1st, 2021 4:00PM
