Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2019–Mar 15th, 2019

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: 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.

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.

Avalanche 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