Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
A crust likely exists to mountain top, making avalanche activity unlikely. Monitor surface conditions throughout the day, and minimize exposure to slopes that hold wet and heavy surface snow.
Summary
Confidence
High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Skies clear overnight with light westerly winds. Freezing levels fall to 1000 m.Â
THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light southeast winds. Freezing levels around 1600 m.
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate southwest winds and freezing levels around 1800 m.
SATURDAY: Moderate to heavy snowfall over the day, freezing levels around 1500 m. Moderate southerly winds.Â
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, a widespread cycle of small loose wet avalanches was reported. Avalanches were naturally and human triggered, involving the recent storm snow.Â
On Monday riders triggered slab avalanches up to size two, mainly on north facing aspects (lee to southerly winds).Â
Snowpack Summary
As temperatures drop, a melt freeze crust will extend into the alpine on all aspects. Expect moist snow at low elevations below the freezing line, and on south facing slopes as the sun comes out. Dry snow can possibly be found on the highest peaks above 2000-2500 m, likely redistributed by strong southerly winds into wind loaded features on north/east facing slopes.Â
The upper snowpack consists of hard wind pressed surfaces and crusts. The snowpack is considered well-settled and strong below these crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- Avoid exposure to steep sun exposed slopes.
Problems
Loose Wet
Rising freezing levels and periods of strong sunshine throughout the day will create increased likelihood of triggered wet avalanches primarily on south facing and sun affected slopes.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 24th, 2022 4:00PM
