Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 7th, 2017 8:04AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe storm snow requires time to bond well to old snow surfaces. Be alert to signs of snowpack instability.
Summary
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
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 8th, 2017 8:00AM