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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 7th, 2017–Mar 8th, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

The storm snow requires time to bond well to old snow surfaces. Be alert to signs of snowpack instability.

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud today with convective cells possibly bringing localized flurries. Ridgetop temperatures should reach -11C. Southerly winds should reach the low end of moderate today. Tonight brings another pulse of snow up to 10cm accompanied by gusty S winds. Unsettled weather for the remainder of the week.

Snowpack Summary

50cm recent storm snow continues to settle. Strong S'ly winds during the storm formed sensitive windslab on all aspects in the alpine. Weak layers within the storm snow have been failing and occasionally digging down and releasing on persistent sliding layers such as crusts and surface hoar. Steep S aspects may become reactive this afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Six avalanches to size 2.5 were observed in the highway corridor. Our field team was able to shear off the top 30cm of storm snow off of convex unsupported features at below treeline elevation in the west end of the forecast area.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Widespread storm slabs were observed to fail at all elevations Sunday.  The storm slab needs time to bond to the old snow surface. Features that have not failed should be given a very cautious approach. 
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong S winds during the storm created widespread wind slab in the alpine and fresh cornice at ridge top. Be vigilant when approaching ridgelines and avoid convex features.
Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3