Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2019 4:09PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

The recent storm snow has been most reactive to human triggers on solar aspects where the new snow is sitting on crust and/or in wind effected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly clear / Light to moderate, westerly winds / Alpine low -12 / Freezing level below valley bottom.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 0 / Freezing level 1600 m.SATURDAY: Sunny / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 2 / Freezing level 1800 m.SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high 4 / Freezing level 2200 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, numerous naturally triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 and a few human triggered wind slabs up to size 1.5, were reported primarily on easterly aspects at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm of recent storm snow is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. There are up to three layers of surface hoar that were buried in January and February. These layers are around 50 to 90 cm deep and are most prominent at lower elevations. The surface hoar may sit on a crust on south facing slopes. Avalanches on these layers are infrequent, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks, large open glades and south facing slopes.The base of the snowpack is composed of weak and sugary faceted grains that sit on a crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The recent storm snow has been most reactive on solar aspects where the new snow sits on crust and/ or in wind effected terrain.

Avoid steep terrain where the snow feels stiff or slabby.Use extra caution on solar aspects where the new snow is sitting on a crust.Reduce exposure to over-head hazards such a large cornices during periods of strong solar radiation.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2019 2:00PM