Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2019 4:58PM

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

Avalanche Canada ldreier, Avalanche Canada

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The avalanche danger trends upward with the appearance of the sun and afternoon warming. Danger is rated for the warmest part of the day.

Summary

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, light easterly wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 mFRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northerly wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2100 mSATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light westerly wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2200 mSUNDAY: Mainly cloudy, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2100 m

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday and Wednesday there were reports of skier triggered thin wind slabs to size 1.5. On Wednesday loose wet avalanches to size 1 were observed in the afternoon on solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, up to 15 cm of recent new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust or moist snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly winds which may have formed isolated thin wind slabs. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Expect to see crusts that formed from overnight cooling break down quickly if the sun comes out and the surface snow sluff in steep terrain.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent 5-10 cm of new snow combined with moderate to strong southwest winds has created thin wind slabs in the lee of terrain features which might still be triggered by skiers.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2019 2:00PM