Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 12th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
Mark Herbison,
New snow and wind will gradually increase the avalanche hazard as we endure a few days of storm cycles.
Choose low consequence, manageable terrain and enjoy the fresh pow!
Summary
Weather Forecast
The weather models continue to disagree on forecasted snow amounts, but the area will see a series of snowy pulses over the next few days (50cm by Wed).
5-10cm of new snow by Sunday morning, with another 5-10cm during the day. The freezing level will rise to ~1600m with an alpine high of -4, while the winds blow 20-60km/hr from the South West.
Snowpack Summary
20-30cm of low density storm snow covers a crust up to 1500m on all aspects and up to tree line on solar aspects. Storm slab is forming as the snow continues to accumulate. The Feb 26 interface (small surface hoar or a crust) is down 40-50cm.
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday skiers were triggering size 1.0 storm and dry loose avalanches today in steeper terrain. As the snow continues to fall, expect the size and sensitivity of the storm slab to increase.
Several natural storm slabs up to size 2.5 out of steep terrain along the Eastern end of the highway corridor.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs will be thicker in areas lee to the SW winds. Use caution along ridge crest and convex rolls where it may be easier to trigger the storm slab.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Expect your sluff to run fast where it overlies a crust.
- On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 13th, 2022 5:00PM
