Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2019 4:43PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas and on sun exposed slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light northwest wind / alpine low temperature near -12SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest, switching to light southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -8 / freezing level 1200 mMONDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest winds 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1400 mTUESDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm / light southwest winds / alpine high temperature near -8 / freezing level 1100 m

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, there were reports of natural and human triggered avalanches to size 2, as well as a natural avalanche cycle to size 2.5 in the neighboring Glacier National Park region.On Thursday, there were several reports of human triggered wind slab, storm slab and loose snow avalanches, size 1-1.5, and natural loose and storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5.

Snowpack Summary

15-35 cm of recent storm snow is sitting mainly on wind slabs and facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. There are two weak layers of surface hoar in the upper snowpack that were buried in late January and early February. They can be found between 40-90 cm below the surface. These layers consist primarily of surface hoar, though they may be associated with crusts on steeper, south facing slopes. These weak layers are most prominent on south facing slopes and all aspects below treeline. Avalanche activity on these layers has declined in recent days, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks, large open glades, and steep south facing terrain.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Fresh storm slabs may be reactive, especially in wind loaded areas.
Avoid wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and back off from slopes that feel hollow or drum-like.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2019 3:00PM