Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 2019 8:00AM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Watch for pockets of hard windslab sitting on rotten facets in the alpine. These slabs can be triggered by a person and shoot off the slope like an oversized cookie - a disastrous scenario in steep, exposed terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continuing clear and cold for the next few days. Alpine highs of -10*C, light easterly ridge winds, and sunshine today. More of the same tomorrow, with a slightly warmer high of -7*C in the alpine. A minor disturbance may roll through Wednesday night or Thursday, bringing flurries and moderate winds from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

Expect surface facets and a variety of windslab in most locations. Sun crust will be found on steeper solar terrain making for difficult travel. Moderate to strong winds have deposited thin wind slabs on exposed terrain features at ridge-top and exposed treeline areas. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed in the highway corridor yesterday, nor were there any reports from the backcountry of avalanches. Several dry, loose point releases from steep solar aspects were noted on Saturday, failing in the surface facets.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds and cold temperatures have been promoting wind slab development. Reactive wind slabs are occurring in isolated areas. These slabs may be overlying old dormant wind slabs or weak faceted snow.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Loose dry point release slides are a possibility on southern aspects with prolonged solar input.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2019 8:00AM