Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 16th, 2022 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
mkoppang,
Avalanche Canada
A few cms of new snow every few days over the past week has added up to 40cm at treeline. Watch for new windslabs in alpine terrain that have developed from SW winds and warmer temperatures.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Thursday looks like a carbon copy of Wednesday right now! Winds will be 40-50km/hr out of the SW with temperatures reaching -5C by mid day. We may see a few cm's of snow via convective flurries throughout the day but accumulations are not expected to be significant.Â
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed on Wednesday.Â
Snowpack Summary
Another 10-15cm of snow fell overnight by Wednesday morning bringing out recent snowfall totals up to 40cm. This snow is settling under the influence of the warmer temperatures and moderate SW winds building new windslabs in open terrain at treeline and above. Forecasters were finding these windslabs felt "cakey" along ridgelines in alpine terrain but did not extend far downslope. As winds continue, we expect these slabs to continue to develop so keep an eye on localized winds. On solar aspects a crust is down 40-50cm and has been a critical layer to evaluate in the snowpack. The strength at this interface has been improving but its still important to dig down and evaluate as you travel.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Continuing snow, wind and warm temps will continue to build wind slabs at treeline and above.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Carefully evaluate the bond with the Feb 19th crust down 40 to 70cm. Recent wind loading will make this problem more reactive, as will periods of intense solar input.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 17th, 2022 3:00PM
