Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 24th, 2015–Mar 25th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Avalanche hazard will likely be on the rise Wednesday as new snow and wind add fuel to the existing wind slab problem.

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: 2 to 10cm of snow expected above 1300m. Light SE winds at treeline, Strong SW winds at ridgetop.Thursday: Trace of snow. Moderate SW winds at treeline, strong SW winds at ridgetop. Freezing level holding at 1500m.Friday: Freezing level fluctuating between 1000m and 1500m. 1 to 5cm of snow possible. Moderate SW winds at treeline, strong SW winds at ridgetop.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1 loose wet avalanches were reported on Saturday. They failed in steep rocky terrain in response to warming and solar radiation. On Sunday cornice failures to size 2 were reported. Several small wind slabs from immediately lee of ridge crest were reported Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Light accumulations from Friday may now exist as a soft wind slab in high elevation lee terrain. The new snow overlies older wind slabs, crusts and wind-scoured surfaces. Sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation areas are likely in a spring melt-freeze cycle. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack may include hard crusts and/or facet crystals, although not much is known about the reactivity or spatial distribution of this layer. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow accompanied by SW winds will likely help wind slabs to grow larger and more reactive throughout the day day Wednesday.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be sure your travel plans account for increasing hazard throughout the day.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3