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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 11th, 2023–Mar 12th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Glacier.

Conditions are about to change and depending on the timing of the incoming storm, the hazard may elevate sooner than expected. Use terrain to your advantage & constantly evaluate conditions.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A small windslab isolated to a steep south facing col was reported in the MIN yesterday. No new avalanches were observed in the highway corridor.

On Thursday isolated natural avalanches were observed along the highway corridor up to size 2.0 from the steep N facing terrain of Mt. Macdonald. Avalanche control in the area on Thursday also produced small windslabs and surface sluffing.

Snowpack Summary

Diurnal temperature fluctuations have produced crusts on solar aspects and an unreactive wind-slab can be found at tree-line & above in specific areas.

Although generally strong, the snowpack still sits on a deep persistent weakness of rounding facets and a decomposed crust near the ground, which is unusual for this area. This layer has not been reactive since the last major snowfall (February 27th). While currently very unlikely, there may be a lingering possibility of triggering this high consequence problem in shallow unsupported snowpack areas. This will be something that professional and savvy recreational backcountry users factor in to their terrain use decisions for the remainder of the season.

Weather Summary

Sunday: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries accumulating to 6cm. South winds of 20-30km/hr with a high of -7C and freezing levels up to 1300m.

Sunday night and into Monday will bring snow up to 36cm with moderate to strong SW winds. A high of -4C and freezing levels reaching 1900m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

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.