Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 14th, 2019 5:31PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
The recent storm snow may be most reactive to human triggers on solar aspects where the new snow is sitting on crust and/or in wind effected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries; trace-5 cm. / Light to moderate, westerly winds / Alpine low -10 / Freezing level below valley bottom.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light to moderate, westerly winds / Alpine high 0 / Freezing level 1400 m.SATURDAY: Sunny / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 1 / Freezing level 1600 m.SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, southerly winds / Alpine high 4 / Freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, several naturally triggered, size 1.5 storm slab avalanches and a few explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 2.5 were reported on primarily north aspects at treeline and above. On Tuesday, there were reports of several human triggered avalanches up to size 2. A few of these were triggered remotely (from a distance). There were also several reports of natural storm slab avalanches up to size 3. These avalanches occurred on all aspects and at all elevation bands.
Snowpack Summary
20-50 cm of recent storm snow sits mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. At lower elevations, a weak layer buried in mid January can be found approximately 50-90 cm deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below. Avalanche activity has dropped off significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger avalanches on this layer in areas such as steep cutblocks, and large open glades in the trees.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The recent storm snow has been most reactive on solar aspects where the new snow sits on crust and/ or in wind effected terrain.
Use extra caution on solar aspects where the new snow is sitting on a crust.Avoid steep terrain where the snow feels stiff or slabby.Reduce exposure to overhead hazards such as large cornices during periods of strong solar radiation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2019 2:00PM
