Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2022 4:41PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

Snow Safety,

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The hazard will increase in the afternoon as the day warms up. This is the time of year to start your trip early.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Minimal re-freeze on Sunday night and another warm day on Monday with freezing levels between 2100-2300 m. Light flurries forecasted with minimal accumulation.

Snowpack Summary

Surface melt freeze crusts exist on all aspects up to approx. 2300m. On high elevation north aspects dry snow can be found. The mid-pack is well settled but has several persistent layers consisting of crusts and/or facets. These are currently unreactive to skier triggering but may wake up as spring heat penetrates the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

A ski touring party reported a cornice triggered size three slab on the north side of Cathedral Peak on Sunday.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Warm daytime temperatures and high freezing levels will increase the possibility of a loose wet problem at treeline and below. Even short period of solar inputs may cause a rapid deterioration of the snowpack.

  • Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

After several days of warm temperatures cornices are weak and susceptible to failure. Cornices may trigger larger avalanches on slopes below.

  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2022 4:00PM