Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2021 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

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A warm wet windy storm is coming to the region on Sunday. Avalanche danger will increase with the arrival of this storm. Sunday will be a day to keep watching conditions.  

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

20-30cm of snow is forecast by the end of the day on Sunday with strong westerly winds and warm temps. As we move into Sunday evening, temperatures will begin to drop and winds shift out of the north under partly clear skies.

Avalanche Summary

A few cornice collapses were observed but no slabs were found on the underlying slopes. 

Snowpack Summary

Isolated windslabs are being found in alpine areas but only limited reactivity along ridgelines and immediate lees. Tomorrow will be a big change though as winds increase into the strong range with 20-40cm of new snow in alpine areas. Expect windslabs to become more widespread at Alpine and treeline likely failing at the storm snow interface.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and strong winds and warm temps will form widespread windslabs in open terrain at treeline and below. Watch the bond with the underlying snow surface.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Watch for storm slabs in open areas at treeline and below. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2021 3:00PM