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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 24th, 2022–Mar 25th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Inland.

Evaluate your line for wind slabs and cornice exposure before committing to consequential terrain.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy. Moderate to strong southeast wind. Alpine low around -7 °C. Freezing level dropping to 800 m. 

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast wind. Alpine high around -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Light to moderate south wind. Alpine high around -6 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday: Clouds clearing. Light wind. Alpine high around -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural wind slab avalanches have been observed this week size 1.5-3, some of them triggered by cornice failures. During the rain event on Tuesday, loose wet avalanches were reported up to size 1.5 at 1800 m and lower. 

Snowpack Summary

Wet snow or crusty conditions can be found at least as high as 1700 m. Wind slabs may be found at high elevations that have remained dry.

A couple of layers of weak crystals in the upper snowpack appear to be bonding according to recent snowpack tests. Additionally, we suspect that the surface crust will help bridge these layers, further decreasing their likelihood of triggering.

A thick crust 50-80 cm deep which formed in mid-February effectively bridges any underlying instabilities in the lower snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.