Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 1st, 2021 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.
Kate Ryan,
Windy day ahead!
Keep a close eye on snow transport today and assess for building wind slabs as the day progresses.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A cold front across central BC will gradually move southward today
Today: Mainly cloudy with a trace of snow. Freezing level 1400m. Wind SW 30 km/h gusting to 90!
Tonight: Cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 5 cm. Freezing level: 900m. Wind SW 30 km/h gusting to 85.
Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and a trace of snow. Wind SW 20-30 km/h.
Snowpack Summary
More snow has fallen on the west end of the park than east. Since Wednesday, up to 70cm has been redistributed by sustained moderate S'ly wind. The Feb 14 drought interface is down ~1m in sheltered areas; this interface exists as a wind crust in exposed areas near the Pass, and buried windslabs, facets, or a thin suncrust as you move East or West.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday, one notable size 2.5 avalanche was observed that occurred from a steep solar feature in the alpine. Saturday, several solar induced natural avalanches occurred from steep south aspects in the alpine to size 2.5, as well as a smaller wind-induced cycle from steep northerly aspects to size 2.0.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
With lots of new snow available for transport, expect fresh windslab development in lee features and increased cornice growth.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Up to 70 cm of new snow this week may be more prone to slab formation with warming temperatures today.
- Watch for signs of slab formation, such as whumpfing and shooting cracks.
- If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2021 8:00AM
