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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 18th, 2013–Mar 19th, 2013
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Monday night: No snow. Moderate NW winds. Alpine temperature near -12.Tuesday: No snow. Sunshine. Light to moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near -9.Wednesday: Heavy snow (20- 35 cm). Strong to extreme SW winds. Alpine temperature near -3.Thursday: Light snow. Light SW winds. Alpine temperature near -10.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1-2 avalanches were triggered naturally, by skiers, explosives and vehicles on Sunday. In most cases, the new snow was failing on the hard crust below. Many were soft slabs where the wind had shifted the snow onto lee slopes, and several were loose dry avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20-30 cm of recent storm snow overlies a hard refrozen crust in most places. Strong variable winds have shifted this new snow into touchy wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. In non-wind affected steep terrain, sluffs are running easily.Deeper in the snowpack, weak surface hoar/crust interfaces have become much less likely to be triggered now that they are capped by a supportive rain crust. However, I’d remain wary of any spots where the crust above is not as strong.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Be alert for wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. Cornices may be touchy too.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Loose Dry

New snow is likely to slide easily on a buried crust. It may have enough force to trip you up or carry you into a terrain trap.
On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Wet

Be wary of travelling on or below steep slopes which are being warmed by direct sun. Storm snow may fail naturally with the influence of solar radiation.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Pay attention to overhead hazards.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3