Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 8th, 2016 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Ian Jackson,
Avalanche Canada
Overall good conditions right now, but be wary of thin snowpack areas. A storm is forecasted on Thursday that may bring a dramatic change!
Summary
Weather Forecast
Cool temps, light winds and convective flurries continue on Wednesday and then a big system is forecasted starting Wednesday overnight and Thursday. Models are showing 20 - 40 cms with moderate to strong SW winds and freezing levels rising to ~ 1900m. The danger ratings will rise rapidly if it materializes.
Snowpack Summary
15 to 30 cm of new snow sits on a well settled mid and lower pack. This new snow overlies a temperature crust below 1800m on polar aspects and a sun crust into the alpine on solar aspects. Isolated wind effect exists near ridge-tops. No significant shears found in the mid and lower pack, however thin snowpack areas are still suspect.
Avalanche Summary
We received a report on Monday of a skier triggered avalanche on the Wapta near Mt. Collie and the Richard and Louise Guy Hut. It was a size 2.5 on a SE aspect at 2600m. This failed on a facet layer near the base of the snowpack and took two skiiers for a ride, partially burying one with minor injuries.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
West winds have formed small wind slabs in predictable areas on the leeward sides of ridges. Pay close attention to how the snow surface feels, ski test on small rolls, and look for clues like cracking.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The persistent weak layers from January and February are bonding well, and have a low likelihood of triggering in most of the forecast area. Overall the snowpack is quite strong, but continue to be wary, especially in shallow snow-pack areas.
- Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 9th, 2016 4:00PM
