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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 28th, 2022–Mar 29th, 2022
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
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

Start and finish your day early. Warm temperature and sunshine may destabilize the snowpack throughout the day, especially on steep slopes that are baking in the sun.

The best and safest riding will be in high north-facing terrain that is free from cornices overhead.

Confidence

Moderate - A small change in the upper snowpack could dramatically change avalanche conditions.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Clearing. Freezing level dropping to 500-1000 m. 10-30km/h west winds.

TUESDAY: Mainly clear. Freezing level rising to 2000-2500 m in the afternoon. Light variable winds. 

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, 5-10 cm of accumulation. Freezing level around 1500 m. 20-40 km/h west winds. 

THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, trace accumulation. Freezing level around 1500 m. 20-50 km/h west winds. 

Avalanche Summary

Several wet loose and wet slab avalanches were observed at all aspects and elevations on Sunday (size 1-2.5).

Several small (size 1-1.5) skier-triggered wind slabs occurred on Saturday.

The last persistent slab avalanches observed in the region were during the warm-up on March 23rd and 24th. Several large (size 2-3) persistent slab avalanches occurred on all aspects from 2100-2300 m. This layer is expected to become dormant after being tested by significant warming followed by cooling temperatures. 

Snowpack Summary

5 to 15 cm of recent snow and southwest winds may have formed small wind slabs in lee terrain features in the high alpine. A refrozen crust can be found below the new snow on all aspects to at least 2500m. This crust is expected to break down throughout the day on solar aspects and at low elevations with sun and warm temperatures. Below the crust, the top 10-30 cm of the snowpack is moist.

Several other layers exist in the upper snowpack, that have shown no recent reactivity.

Terrain and Travel

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Sun and warm temperatures will weaken the snow surface on sun-exposed slopes, creating wet avalanches out of steep terrain. Watch for wet and heavy surface snow.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are only a concern in the north of the region around Revelstoke. Wind slabs may exist in steep, lee terrain features in the high alpine. These slabs will be most reactive where they overlie a slick crust.

Warm temperatures may cause cornices to become weak. Cornice failures are dangerous on their own, but also have the potential to trigger larger avalanches on the slopes below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2