Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2016 8:51AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

As the weather clears, sun can destabilise cornices and recent storm snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

An unsettled onshore flow is expected to bring lingering snow showers with a 1700 m freezing level and light NW winds on Friday. A ridge brings mixed sun and cloud through the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

Over the last week we have received many reports of cornice failure, including one that triggered what appears to be a size 3 persistent slab in the north Elk Valley.

Snowpack Summary

Large cornices overhang alpine slopes and threaten to trigger avalanches on slopes below. New storm slabs have developed in alpine terrain. Strong winds have also led to the development of new wind slabs. These overlie surfaces including crusts and old wind slabs. Deeply buried weak layers near the ground may remain sensitive to triggering from thin snowpack areas or with large loads such as cornice fall.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs may be lurking on steep slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. Pay careful attention in the lee of ridges, where wind slabs may have formed.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large fragile cornices threaten many slopes. A cornice fall could trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.

Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2016 2:00PM