Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 8th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs may be found at higher elevations. Also watch out for weakening cornices and wet snow on solar aspects during the heat of the day. The consequence of triggering a deeper weak layer would be high.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, 10 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
TUESDAY: Clear skies, 10 to 30 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, 30 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -8 C.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy, 30 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -8 C.
Avalanche Summary
With good visibility, no new natural avalanches were observed on Sunday, with the exception of some small loose wet avalanches out of steep, southerly terrain from the heat of the day. Explosives mostly triggered small (size 1) results within the most recent storm snow. The most recent persistent slab avalanche was from Saturday along Highway 16 west of Terrace.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs may be found in exposed terrain on all aspects from recent moderate wind from variable directions. In sheltered terrain, around 30 cm of soft snow may be found. Relatively mild conditions and sunny skies may wet the snow on southerly aspects and at lower elevations and make cornices more likely to be triggered.
Around 100 to 200 cm overlies a persistent weak layers buried in mid-February that may still be a concern in parts of the region. The layer consists of feathery surface hoar crystals in areas sheltered from the wind and sugary faceted grains that formed during February's cold snap. Avalanche activity on this layer has mostly occurred west of Terrace along Highway 16 in the past week, but the layer could still be of concern anywhere it exists.
There are currently no layers of concern in the mid and lower snowpack.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found in steep terrain features near ridges. The wind has varied in direction, so wind slabs may be found on all aspects. The wind may pick up over the day on Tuesday, possibly forming new wind slabs in lee terrain features. Look for signs of instability and be cautious if you enter steep features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Around 100 to 200 cm of snow may overly a persistent weak layer buried in mid-February. The likelihood of triggering the layer may be decreasing as the days progress, but the consequence of doing so would be high.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 9th, 2021 4:00PM
