Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 22nd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
Good riding can be found on north-facing slopes, but watch for wind slabs in steep open terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy skies, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -8 C.
TUESDAY: Sunny breaks in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon, 20-40 km/h west wind, freezing level climbing to 1300 m with treeline temperatures around -5 C.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1400 m with treeline temperatures around -4 C.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -2 C.
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend there were several reports of small (size 1) human triggered wind slab avalanches around the Duffey area. They were mostly 20-25 cm thick (see an example in this MIN report). Some small dry loose avalanches were also reported in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Flurries over the past few days delivered 20-40 cm of snow. This snow has generally been stable, but there could be some wind slabs at higher elevations. This snow sits above a widespread crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.
Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow may be reactive on steep wind affected slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2021 4:00PM
