Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2019 8:03AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

ross campbell, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We could see a mixed bag of weather today. Cloudy with sunny periods is the forecast, but we may see some spring convective cells this afternoon as the day heats up. Freezing levels are forecasted to reach Highway elevation, no significant precipitation, and the wind is expected to shift to the North.

Snowpack Summary

Another 25cm of new snow brings our storm total to approximately 50cm at Tree Line. Light to moderate winds have formed soft slabs on lee aspects and cross loaded terrain features. The storm snow overlies a plethora of old surfaces including; sun crusts on solar aspects, hard wind slab in exposed areas, and surface facets in sheltered locations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed in the Highway Corridor yesterday, or reported from the back country. Today we will be expecting natural activity to increase on steep solar aspects if the sun comes out. Skiers and riders will likely be able to trigger loose dry "sluffs" and storm slabs on all aspects on steep, unsupported terrain features.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

25cm of new snow in the last 24 hours, plus the 30cm of recent storm snow, has formed soft slabs in the Alpine and exposed areas of Tree Line. Storm slabs may be overlying weak faceted snow, old wind slabs, or a sun crust.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

If the sun makes an appearance today, steep solar aspects will shed the new snow. Skiers will likely be able to trigger loose dry slides, on steep unsupported terrain features on all aspects.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain, particularly where the debris flows into terrain traps.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2019 8:00AM