Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 4th, 2018–Mar 5th, 2018

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

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

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

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Exposed slopes are heavily wind-affected. Seek out supported slopes in wind-sheltered terrain for the best and safest riding.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and a trace of new snow, light west wind, alpine high temperatures around -13 C.TUESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing 1-3 cm of new snow, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. A MCR report from the Howsons (see here) reports widespread wind slab activity (size 1-2) during the peak of the storm last week and a decrease in activity by the weekend. A similar cycle of natural wind slab avalanches was also reported north of Hazelton. Although wind slab activity has declined, human-triggering remains possible.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong outflow winds have been redistributing 50-70 cm of new and recent storm snow in exposed areas. This storm snow has buried old, hard wind affected snow in exposed areas as well as sun crusts or dry facets in sheltered terrain.A crust/surface hoar layer buried mid-January is now roughly 80-140 cm below the surface, and still has the potential to be triggered from a thin snowpack spot, or with a large trigger like cornice fall.Facets at the base of the snowpack could also possibly be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong wind has been pressing and redistributing new snow into reactive slabs, particularly at upper elevations and on open features at and below treeline. Expect these slabs to remain reactive to the weight of a person.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5