Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MBender, Avalanche Canada

Email

New snow and wind arriving Sunday through the day will make wind slabs the main concern.

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY Night: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level 1500 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -2 C, freezing level 1500 m

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -3 C, freezing level 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

There were no reports of avalanche activity on Friday. On Thursday there were a few reports of human triggered thin storm slab avalanches to size 1.5 on north and south aspects around 2200 m.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of snow accumulated through the last week. This overlies a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, perhaps small surface hoar crystals on shaded aspects, and otherwise 20 cm of snow from the weekend. This recent snow has generally been stabilizing, but there could be some wind slabs that linger at higher elevations. All of this recent snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and wind in the afternoon on Sunday will begin to form fresh wind slabs in lee terrain. Carefully assess for wind slabs prior to committing to steep features with high consequence. 

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2021 4:00PM