Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 13th, 2021–Mar 14th, 2021

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Storm and wind slabs are expected to build over the day as a storm impacts the region. Treat the danger as HIGH if 25 cm of snow or more accumulates in your riding area.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1500 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm with local amounts up to 30 cm possible west, 40 to 60 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1000 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet activity and some cornice failures have likely occurred in the past few days from spring-like conditions. Looking forward, storm and wind slabs are likely to be triggerable on Sunday as they build during and after the storm. Loose wet avalanche activity may continue below the rain-snow line.

Snowpack Summary

A storm will impact the region on Sunday, bringing snow above around 1000 m, and rain below. Storm slabs are expected to form over the day. Strong south wind will form wind slabs in exposed lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. The snow will fall onto previously wet or crusty snow except at high elevation northerly aspects, where it should fall onto wind-affected snow in exposed terrain or perhaps small surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain. Cornices have been reported as being massive and fragile.

Terrain and Travel

Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may build over the day, with potentially enough snow accumulation to form large avalanches by the afternoon. The snow is forecast to fall with strong wind, which may form new wind slabs in exposed treeline and alpine terrain. Should you be in an area that receives over 25 cm of snow, it will be safest to avoid avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2