Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 18th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
astclair,
Avalanche Canada
Clouds and cooler temperatures may temper day-time warming and decrease avalanche hazard. Low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. Watch for lingering wind-loaded pockets and minimize exposure to steep, sun-exposed slopes if clouds dissipate.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to limitations in the field data.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: Mostly clear, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -15 C, freezing level valley bottom.
Thursday: Partly cloudy, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C, freezing level 1300 m.
Friday: Mostly clear, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday: Increasing cloud, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1500 m.Â
Avalanche Summary
Over the past several days, avalanche activity has been reported as natural loose wet and dry avalanches to size 1.5 and 2 running on steep, sun exposed slopes in the alpine. There have also been reports of cornices failing in the alpine on northerly aspects to size 2.5.
There are currently no professional operations reporting in the region. If you're out in the mountains, please share your observations via the Mountain Information Network. Heightened diligence and conservative risk management is recommended at this time.Â
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong winds have redistributed snow and formed wind slabs that may remain possible to trigger in isolated areas. With recent sun and relatively warm temperatures, expect to find either moist surface snow or crust on slopes facing the sun.Â
A weak layer of surface hoar buried at the end of February may be found 50-100 cm deep, except in the northern tip of the region. Sheltered north, northeast, and east facing slopes near treeline are the most likely locations to find this layer. The last reported avalanche activity on this layer occurred March 6th. There is a low likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer, but the consequences of doing so would be high. Read more about surface hoar on our forecaster blog.
Terrain and Travel
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Previous moderate to strong winds blowing from a variety of directions formed wind slabs that may remain possible to trigger in isolated areas. Evaluate steep, wind-loaded terrain near and above treeline. If clouds dissipate, surface snow and cornices may also warm and weaken.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 19th, 2020 5:00PM
