Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 13th, 2018–Mar 14th, 2018

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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: Glacier.

Another hot day, more large avalanches can be expected on South facing terrain! The hazard will increase throughout the day as temperatures rise and solar radiation increases.

Weather Forecast

Another day of high pressure and sunshine, winds will be light from the SW and the freezing level should rise to 2700m. A weak low pressure system will roll in form the west late Wednesday afternoon, depositing modest amounts of precipitation. Weather models for the long term forecast vary and show lots of uncertainty.

Snowpack Summary

An early spring snowpack is upon us. Last weekend's storm snow is well settled and the same can be said for the snowpack in most areas. Expect another surface crust on all aspects and elevations except North and East in the Alpine and upper treeline. Solar aspects will become moist and unstable as the day progresses and temperatures increase.

Avalanche Summary

Solar aspects are shedding their surface layers of snow throughout the forecast area. Numerous avalanches to size 3 have been observed on solar aspects along the highway corridor and in the backcountry. Avalanches have been running full path and burying commonly used skin tracks like Connaught ck, which has been buried 3 times in the last 2 days.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep solar terrain. Pay close attention to the effects of the sun on the avalanche terrain above you and avoid overhead exposure. With prolonged warm temps expect cornices to begin failing.

Avoid exposure to overhead solar avalanche terrain, avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Previous strong south winds created pockets of isolated wind slab in the immediate lee of ridges and crossloaded features in the alpine.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2