Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 28th, 2017 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Cornices and Wind Slabs.
aaron beardmore,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for wind slabs in alpine lee areas due to new snow and strong West wind.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Snowfall expected over the next few days with 10 cm on Wednesday and 3 cm on Thursday. Freezing levels should reach 1800m each day, with alpine temperatures ranging from -1 to -12. Winds are generally moderate but will pick up to strong tonight and into tomorrow.
Snowpack Summary
10-15cm of soft snow sits on 100cm of dense, rounded snow comprising the upper half of the snowpack. This sits on a variety of foundations depending on location. In shallow areas (eg: Field ice climbs) the base is weak depth hoar. In deeper areas (eg: Little Yoho Valley), the base is stronger. Shears persist in the deep facets in shallow areas.
Avalanche Summary
No reports were received of any new avalanche activity in the Field, Emerald Lake or Little Yoho areas.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The snowpack is stabilizing after last week's cycle, and now we are left with a classic low probability, high consequence problem. Natural avalanches have mostly ceased, but triggering is still possible - especially from large loads like cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
There has been an increasing frequency of cornice failures this past week. Be wary of this as we transition into spring (cornice season). They are a hazard underfoot on ridge crests, and from overhead if you travel below one. GIve them a wide berth.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
New snow and strong West wind will create windslabs at high elevations. The touchiness of the wind slabs is uncertain as of Tuesday afternoon.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 29th, 2017 4:00PM
