Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 8th, 2015–Mar 9th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Snowfall amounts on Sunday night and Monday morning are expected to vary dramatically throughout the region. Pay close attention to how much snow fell in your area, and choose terrain accordingly.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Expect lingering snowfall (up to 10cm) on Monday morning as Sunday's storm tapers-off. A clearing trend is forecast for late Monday and Tuesday. By Wednesday, a strong Pacific low will deliver another round of moderate snowfall. Ridgetop winds will remain moderate to strong from the southwest on Monday, decreasing somewhat on Tuesday, and then becoming strong and southwesterly with Wednesday's system Freezing levels should hover around 600m for the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

There were a few recent reports of wind slabs to size 2 occurring on north and east-facing terrain at treeline and above. The wind slabs formed in response to strong southwest winds and snowfall on Thursday and Friday. Continued snowfall and strong westerly winds on Sunday and Monday morning will likely spark another round of wind slab activity.

Snowpack Summary

Just before the weekend, 10-20cm of snow and strong SW winds built reactive wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. More snow and wind on Sunday will add size and destructive potential to the developing wind slab problem. Below the recent snowfall, you'll find a variety of interfaces including older wind slabs, hard crusts, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are reported to be large and potentially unstable.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and strong winds on Sunday will build new and reactive wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Watch for triggering in gullies and in the lee of ridgecrests.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3