Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2019 8:00AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

ross campbell, Parks Canada

Glacier.

At Rogers Pass in February 2019, we received half as much snow as average, and the temperatures were twice as cold.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunny skies today, with an alpine high of -8*C, and the wind will be light from the East. Should be clear and cold again tonight; followed by a weak low-pressure from the SW on Wednesday and Thursday. We are forecasted to receive between 5-15cm of snow, rising freezing levels and increased wind from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

Expect surface facets and a variety of wind slabs in most locations. Sun crusts will be found on steeper solar terrain making for difficult travel. Moderate to strong winds have deposited thin wind slabs on exposed terrain features at ridge-top and exposed treeline areas. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed in the highway corridor yesterday, nor have there been any new avalanche reports from the backcountry. Several loose, dry point releases from steep solar aspects were noted recently, generally failing in the surface facets.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds and cold temperatures have been promoting wind slab development. Reactive wind slabs are occurring in isolated areas. These slabs may be overlying old dormant wind slabs or weak faceted snow.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Today the solar input will be the strongest we have seen during this cold dry spell. Loose dry point releases are possible on steep southern aspects. Snow around cliff bands and rocks, are the most likely starting points for the loose dry problem.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2019 8:00AM