Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 2nd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
Snowfall amounts vary across the region but the wind has been consistent. Fresh and reactive wind slabs may exist on northeast and east facing slopes and be easily triggered by the weight of a skier or rider.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday Night: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Ridgetop wind light from the South. Freezing levels in the valley bottom.
Wednesday: Snow 5-10 cm. Ridgetop wind strong from the southwest. Alpine temperatures -4 and freezing levels 900 m.
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop wind light from the southeast. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1200 m.Â
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop wind from the South. Alpine temperatures near -5 and freezing levels valley bottom.Â
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche reports for Tuesday.
On Sunday, a few natural wind slab avalanches were reported up to size 2 at treeline and in the alpine on northeast and northwest aspects. Wind slabs were also easily triggered on leeward slopes by the weight of a skier. Numerous loose wet avalanches were observed from steep terrain features.Â
On Saturday, we received some fantastic MIN reports showing significant wind effect and wind loading at upper elevations. Natural avalanches were reported as well as a skier-triggered slab size 1.5.Â
Thank you for the MIN reports!!
Reactive wind and storm slabs are the primary concerns for the forecast period. Loose-dry sluffing will likely be seen from steep terrain features.Â
Snowpack Summary
Over the past few days, up to 30 cm of new snow fell by Tuesday. Fresh winds slabs may be reactive on leeward slopes, while touchy storm slabs may be found in isolated wind-sheltered locations. This brings 50 to 80 cm of snow on a variety of old snow surfaces consisting of hard wind-affected snow in exposed terrain and weak, faceted snow or surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain. It may take some time for the snow to bond to these old surfaces. A lot of uncertainty surrounds this possible interface and if, or where these potential persistent weak layers exist.Â
Basal faceted snow remains part of the snowpack structure in much of the region.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of strong wind.
- Stick to simple terrain features and be certain your location isn't threatened by overhead hazard.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Cranking southwest wind and new snow have formed fresh new wind slabs. Reactive storm slabs may be found in wind-sheltered terrain.
Large looming cornices exist. Be diligent and give them a wide berth from above and below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2021 4:00PM
