Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 25th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
New and old wind slabs are still the primary concern at higher elevations. Expect reactivity as new snow will sit over a crust.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate southerly winds and freezing levels 1000-1500 m.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. 5 cm possible over the day,. Freezing levels 1500 m in the north, 2000 m in the south. Moderate to strong southerly winds.
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, up to 5 cm of snow. Freezing levels 1500-2000 m. Moderate to strong southwest winds.
MONDAY: Another 3-8 cm of snow over the day, mostly cloudy. Moderate southwest winds.
Avalanche Summary
Warm temperatures, rain and sun on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday produced large wet avalanches on all aspects below the freezing line, and on steep sun affected slopes.
A naturally triggered size 2 slab avalanche was reported on a northwest facing slope at treeline, involving the buried weak layers from mid March. As temperatures have dropped, avalanches on deeper weak layers are thought to be unlikely.
Snowpack Summary
Light snow will fall on a melt freeze crust that extends to treeline on all aspects to 2000-2500 m and on south facing slopes to mountain top. On shaded aspects new snow will sit over wind affected surfaces
A melt-freeze crust from mid March exists down 30 to 60 cm on all aspects below 1500 m. The mid and lower snowpack is thought to be well settled and strong at this time.
Terrain and Travel
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs can be found in high alpine terrain, where dry snow has been redistributed onto north and east facing slopes. Expect greater reactivity where slabs sit over a crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 26th, 2022 4:00PM
