Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 2nd, 2016 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe overall snowpack is slowly improving, but Thursday should see a short-term burst of windslab action as the 25cm of fluff on the ground will be blown around by strong winds in the alpine (>70 km/hr). Caution in immediate leeward areas.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The upper level flow puts our region back in the storm track, and a series of minor storms will cross the region over the next few days. Most of the punch will be to the west, but expect 5 cm on Thursday with strong alpine winds developing through the day. Temps at treeline will remain steady at -4 to -10 all week.
Snowpack Summary
10-25cm of low density snow has fallen in the last four days, with minimal wind effect except in alpine areas. This snow overlies suncrust and a firm surface, and seems to bonding well. The main concern is the deep facets throughout the region which present a long-term problem. Total snow depth is the most important factor; deep snow = strong snow.
Avalanche Summary
Only sluffing in very steep terrain was observed today (cliffs, steep gullies, etc).
Confidence
Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Thursday
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The snowpack is generally weak throughout the BYK region, except in areas of deeper (thus stronger) snow. Avoid most steep terrain, and watch for signs of instability such as whumping and cracking. Things are improving, but slowly.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Strong winds on Thursday will redistribute the recent snow and create touchy windslabs in leeward ares. Use common sense to avoid these places, and pay attention to the snow surface conditions while touring - you can usually detect windslabs easily.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2016 4:00PM